About a third of Covid-19 survivors continue to be plagued by health problems, said doctors treating "long-haulers" at a specialist UAE clinic.
Insomnia, depression and chronic fatigue were some of the long-term conditions reported by patients receiving care at RAK Hospital in Ras Al Khaimah.
Despite recovering from Covid, about 30 per cent of patients continued to suffer with symptoms, which were recorded as part of the hospital’s online Covid rehabilitation programme.
People have reported not feeling like themselves, experiencing confusion and short-term memory loss
Chronic fatigue was reported by 47.5 per cent to be the most persistent complaint, with more than a third experiencing sleep problems.
More than a quarter reported “brain fog” or confusion, and 32.5 per cent showed signs of depression.
A loss of taste and smell was another ailment, reported in one in five patients who recovered from the coronavirus.
“Since it’s a new disease and our understanding is still limited, we have learnt symptoms can continue for three to nine months and pose challenges for people,” said Dr Raza Siddiqui, executive director of RAK Hospital.
“Even though it is established that certain risk factors including high blood pressure, smoking, diabetes, obesity and heart conditions make people more likely to suffer a serious bout of the infection, there isn’t a clear link between these risk factors and long-term issues faced by people.
“Long Covid may also present in people who may have had mild symptoms during the infectious phase.”
Hospital researchers previously studied 3,200 people in Ras Al Khaimah to understand risk factors associated with severe reactions to Covid-19.
They found overweight people were 62 per cent more likely to develop complications.
Smokers were also found to be 45 per cent more at risk, with those over 50, and anyone with existing heart problems or with a diet high in junk food, also more likely to be admitted to hospital.
As primarily a respiratory ailment, Covid-19 impairs the body’s ability to oxygenate itself. This affects the entire body, causing cardiovascular and neurological problems.
More recent data was collated and shared by Arise, the Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies, a network of organisations led by the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction.
Doctors found chronic ailments such as diabetes, high blood pressure, arthritis, obesity and digestive ailments were often exacerbated by Covid-19 and uncontrolled for several months.
Research at RAK Hospital found more than one in five of their patients suffered cardiovascular problems and 35 per cent had neurological problems.
Doctors said affected people showed certain vulnerabilities that were consistent with existing chronic health problems, or a family history of complaints that may have been undiagnosed.
Social isolation on specialist Covid-19 wards or long periods of quarantine during recovery were likely to have contributed to insomnia or mental illness, the experts found.
“The disruption of the sleep cycle is one of the earliest warning signs of mental ill-health,” said Prateeksha Shetty, a clinical psychologist at RAK Hospital.
“In long Covid cases, they can manifest as an isolated symptom or as one of a cluster of symptoms such as mood fluctuations, dysphoria, crying bouts and a loss of interest.
“They may also be accompanied by worries about the future, health of themselves and loved ones.
“These outcomes can be partly attributed to the changes in our brain due to Covid-19 infection.”
RAK Hospital was one of the first in the country to offer bamlanivimab, a lab-made antibody shown to reduce the risk of infected patients falling seriously ill.
US regulators gave the drug emergency use authorisation in November to support those most vulnerable to more severe symptoms of the virus.
Mental illness is a common long-term symptom reported worldwide in recovering Covid-19 patients.
“People have reported not feeling like themselves, experiencing confusion, short-term memory loss or an inability to concentrate,” said Dr Sweta Adatia, a specialist neurologist who is medical director of RAK Hospital.
“The reasons are still unknown and are being investigated, though largely can be attributed to issues of blood supply and cytokines in the brain which cause inflammation.
“In reality, up to 70 per cent of patients with severe Covid-19 may have neurological sequelae [a condition resulting from a disease] of one kind or another.
“The best treatment to avoid brain fog when you contract the infection is to avoid anxiety, have good sleep, eat a balanced diet, avoid alcohol, and take multivitamins and other micronutrients.”
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Engine: naturally aspirated 6.5-liter V12
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BMW M5 specs
Engine: 4.4-litre twin-turbo V-8 petrol enging with additional electric motor
Power: 727hp
Torque: 1,000Nm
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Fuel consumption: 10.6L/100km
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The specs
Engine: 3.0-litre six-cylinder turbo
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Torque: 580Nm at 1,900-4,800rpm
Transmission: Eight-speed auto
Fuel economy, combined: 6.5L/100km
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Learn more about Qasr Al Hosn
In 2013, The National's History Project went beyond the walls to see what life was like living in Abu Dhabi's fabled fort:
SPEC%20SHEET
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AI traffic lights to ease congestion at seven points to Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street
The seven points are:
Shakhbout bin Sultan Street
Dhafeer Street
Hadbat Al Ghubainah Street (outbound)
Salama bint Butti Street
Al Dhafra Street
Rabdan Street
Umm Yifina Street exit (inbound)
Volvo ES90 Specs
Engine: Electric single motor (96kW), twin motor (106kW) and twin motor performance (106kW)
Power: 333hp, 449hp, 680hp
Torque: 480Nm, 670Nm, 870Nm
On sale: Later in 2025 or early 2026, depending on region
Price: Exact regional pricing TBA
Short-term let permits explained
Homeowners and tenants are allowed to list their properties for rental by registering through the Dubai Tourism website to obtain a permit.
Tenants also require a letter of no objection from their landlord before being allowed to list the property.
There is a cost of Dh1,590 before starting the process, with an additional licence fee of Dh300 per bedroom being rented in your home for the duration of the rental, which ranges from three months to a year.
Anyone hoping to list a property for rental must also provide a copy of their title deeds and Ejari, as well as their Emirates ID.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
FIXTURES
All times UAE ( 4 GMT)
Saturday
Fiorentina v Torino (8pm)
Hellas Verona v Roma (10.45pm)
Sunday
Parma v Napoli (2.30pm)
Genoa v Crotone (5pm)
Sassuolo v Cagliari (8pm)
Juventus v Sampdoria (10.45pm)
Monday
AC Milan v Bologna (10.45om)
Playing September 30
Benevento v Inter Milan (8pm)
Udinese v Spezia (8pm)
Lazio v Atalanta (10.45pm)
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Results
6.30pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (Dirt) 1,200m
Winner: Barack Beach, Richard Mullen (jockey), Satish Seemar (trainer).
7.05pm: Handicap Dh170,000 (D) 1,200m
Winner: Way Of Wisdom, Connor Beasley, Satish Seemar.
7.40pm: Maiden Dh165,000 (D) 1,900m
Winner: Woodditton, Connor Beasley, Ahmad bin Harmash.
8.15pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Secret Trade, Sandro Paiva, Ali Rashid Al Raihe.
8.50pm: Handicap Dh185,000 (D) 1,600m
Winner: Mark Of Approval, Antonio Fresu, Mahmood Hussain.
9.25pm: Handicap Dh165,000 (D) 2,000m
Winner: Tradesman, Pat Dobbs, Doug Watson.
Dubai Bling season three
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Rating: 1/5
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What is dialysis?
Dialysis is a way of cleaning your blood when your kidneys fail and can no longer do the job.
It gets rid of your body's wastes, extra salt and water, and helps to control your blood pressure. The main cause of kidney failure is diabetes and hypertension.
There are two kinds of dialysis — haemodialysis and peritoneal.
In haemodialysis, blood is pumped out of your body to an artificial kidney machine that filter your blood and returns it to your body by tubes.
In peritoneal dialysis, the inside lining of your own belly acts as a natural filter. Wastes are taken out by means of a cleansing fluid which is washed in and out of your belly in cycles.
It isn’t an option for everyone but if eligible, can be done at home by the patient or caregiver. This, as opposed to home haemodialysis, is covered by insurance in the UAE.
How much do leading UAE’s UK curriculum schools charge for Year 6?
- Nord Anglia International School (Dubai) – Dh85,032
- Kings School Al Barsha (Dubai) – Dh71,905
- Brighton College Abu Dhabi - Dh68,560
- Jumeirah English Speaking School (Dubai) – Dh59,728
- Gems Wellington International School – Dubai Branch – Dh58,488
- The British School Al Khubairat (Abu Dhabi) - Dh54,170
- Dubai English Speaking School – Dh51,269
*Annual tuition fees covering the 2024/2025 academic year
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Japan
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Canada
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Company%20Profile
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Israel Palestine on Swedish TV 1958-1989
Director: Goran Hugo Olsson
Rating: 5/5
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
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This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
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COMPANY PROFILE
Company name: Letstango.com
Started: June 2013
Founder: Alex Tchablakian
Based: Dubai
Industry: e-commerce
Initial investment: Dh10 million
Investors: Self-funded
Total customers: 300,000 unique customers every month
What sanctions would be reimposed?
Under ‘snapback’, measures imposed on Iran by the UN Security Council in six resolutions would be restored, including:
- An arms embargo
- A ban on uranium enrichment and reprocessing
- A ban on launches and other activities with ballistic missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons, as well as ballistic missile technology transfer and technical assistance
- A targeted global asset freeze and travel ban on Iranian individuals and entities
- Authorisation for countries to inspect Iran Air Cargo and Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines cargoes for banned goods
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
'Texas Chainsaw Massacre'
Rating: 1 out of 4
Running time: 81 minutes
Director: David Blue Garcia
Starring: Sarah Yarkin, Elsie Fisher, Mark Burnham
Dark Souls: Remastered
Developer: From Software (remaster by QLOC)
Publisher: Namco Bandai
Price: Dh199
25%20Days%20to%20Aden
%3Cp%3EAuthor%3A%20Michael%20Knights%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EPages%3A%20256%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3EAvailable%3A%20January%2026%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
