Beware of seasonal illnesses and allergies

Respiratory infections and gastroenteritis increase as weather starts to get cooler

- BY SAJILA SASEENDRAN

As temperatures begin to drop in the UAE, doctors are warning residents to brace for more than just the common flu.

Hospitals and clinics are reporting an uptick in seasonal illnesses, from respiratory infections and gastroenteritis to allergies triggered by changing weather conditions.

“During seasonal transitions in the UAE, especially from summer to winter and vice versa, residents often experience a spike in various illnesses like flu and gastroenteritis due to abrupt temperature changes, humidity fluctuations and increased indoor gatherings,” said Dr Zara Ahmed, specialist emergency medicine at RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah.

“Opening of schools and preschools and increased crowd gathering in cooler weather contributes to circulation of similar viruses.”