Parents have been urged to get their children vaccinated against seasonal flu as they are at a high risk of contracting the infection.
A survey of 30,000 people released by Dubai Health Authority (DHA) showed almost half of the recorded cases of flu between 2017 and 2019 were in children under 10.
The DHA figures help in understanding the groups most at risk from influenza.
Doctors and researchers looked at trends recorded in people displaying flu symptoms and found the flu season runs from the end of September until February but infections peak in November and December.
Both seasonal influenza and Covid-19 have similar clinical manifestations; so, this flu season, it is imperative to take the flu vaccine
The data has been passed on to hospitals to help them deal with the dual threat of influenza and Covid-19 over the coming months.
“The aim of the study was to identify risk factors associated with the infection and identify the demographic distribution most vulnerable to the disease,” said Khalif Jallaf, director of the data and research department at DHA.
“We strongly promote data collection and research with an aim to help devise evidence-based policies to enhance the health sector in Dubai and promote public health and well-being.”
All age groups, gender, nationalities, occupations, education and seasons were considered for the study.
Results showed 84.53 per cent of the total seasonal influenza cases during 2017 to 2019 were handled at the outpatient level.
The remaining cases were considered severe enough to be admitted to hospital.
Rates of influenza have increased since 2017, said the study.
Vulnerable groups and those with existing medical conditions have been advised to get themselves vaccinated.
This includes medics, school staff, pregnant women and children.
Last week, Dr Omar Al Hammadi, spokesman for the federal government, said at a Covid-19 media briefing that people should get a flu jab, to avoid complications should they also catch the coronavirus.
Dr Abdishakur Abdulle, associate director of the Public Health Research Centre at New York University Abu Dhabi, urged the public to remain vigilant this winter as flu symptoms are similar to Covid-19.
“Both seasonal influenza and Covid-19 have similar clinical manifestations; so, this flu season, it is imperative to take the flu vaccine,” he said.
“It can take two weeks after vaccination for antibodies to develop in the body and provide protection against the flu."
Symptoms can be fever, chills, a sore throat, persistent cough and runny nose.
Sufferers also report fatigue and body aches and vomiting.
FIXTURES
All games 6pm UAE on Sunday:
Arsenal v Watford
Burnley v Brighton
Chelsea v Wolves
Crystal Palace v Tottenham
Everton v Bournemouth
Leicester v Man United
Man City v Norwich
Newcastle v Liverpool
Southampton v Sheffield United
West Ham v Aston Villa
The bio:
Favourite film:
Declan: It was The Commitments but now it’s Bohemian Rhapsody.
Heidi: The Long Kiss Goodnight.
Favourite holiday destination:
Declan: Las Vegas but I also love getting home to Ireland and seeing everyone back home.
Heidi: Australia but my dream destination would be to go to Cuba.
Favourite pastime:
Declan: I love brunching and socializing. Just basically having the craic.
Heidi: Paddleboarding and swimming.
Personal motto:
Declan: Take chances.
Heidi: Live, love, laugh and have no regrets.
FIGHT%20CARD
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Brahmastra%3A%20Part%20One%20-%20Shiva
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New UK refugee system
- A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
- Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
- A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
- To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
- Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
- Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Company profile
Name: Thndr
Started: October 2020
Founders: Ahmad Hammouda and Seif Amr
Based: Cairo, Egypt
Sector: FinTech
Initial investment: pre-seed of $800,000
Funding stage: series A; $20 million
Investors: Tiger Global, Beco Capital, Prosus Ventures, Y Combinator, Global Ventures, Abdul Latif Jameel, Endure Capital, 4DX Ventures, Plus VC, Rabacap and MSA Capital
'The Woman in the House Across the Street from the Girl in the Window'
Director:Michael Lehmann
Stars:Kristen Bell
Rating: 1/5
SPECS
Nissan 370z Nismo
Engine: 3.7-litre V6
Transmission: seven-speed automatic
Power: 363hp
Torque: 560Nm
Price: Dh184,500
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: Lamsa
Founder: Badr Ward
Launched: 2014
Employees: 60
Based: Abu Dhabi
Sector: EdTech
Funding to date: $15 million
How being social media savvy can improve your well being
Next time when procastinating online remember that you can save thousands on paying for a personal trainer and a gym membership simply by watching YouTube videos and keeping up with the latest health tips and trends.
As social media apps are becoming more and more consumed by health experts and nutritionists who are using it to awareness and encourage patients to engage in physical activity.
Elizabeth Watson, a personal trainer from Stay Fit gym in Abu Dhabi suggests that “individuals can use social media as a means of keeping fit, there are a lot of great exercises you can do and train from experts at home just by watching videos on YouTube”.
Norlyn Torrena, a clinical nutritionist from Burjeel Hospital advises her clients to be more technologically active “most of my clients are so engaged with their phones that I advise them to download applications that offer health related services”.
Torrena said that “most people believe that dieting and keeping fit is boring”.
However, by using social media apps keeping fit means that people are “modern and are kept up to date with the latest heath tips and trends”.
“It can be a guide to a healthy lifestyle and exercise if used in the correct way, so I really encourage my clients to download health applications” said Mrs Torrena.
People can also connect with each other and exchange “tips and notes, it’s extremely healthy and fun”.
Scoreline:
Barcelona 2
Suarez 85', Messi 86'
Atletico Madrid 0
Red card: Diego Costa 28' (Atletico)
Company%20profile
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Living in...
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.
