Hospitals see increase in patients after heavy rains

Doctors have reiterated that with rains come illnesses, and the number of people visiting medical clinics has significantly increased in the last few days.

They say that the spike in flu cases during winter is inevitable and the numbers had gone up compared to the previous years.

Dr Wael Omar Abou Sherif, specialist internal medicine, at Aster Clinic, Arabian Ranches said, “One of the main reasons is the relaxation in Covid-19 restrictions. In the past two years, people were wearing masks and taking all the necessary precautionary measures to avoid infections.”

“However, with heavy rains battering across the country and a significant dip in the temperature, the number of people contracting fever and infections is on the rise. Both children and adults are being affected,” said Dr Sherif.

With rain-related illnesses, medicos have recorded that children and babies are more prone to infection. “In our clinics, we are seeing more children and babies seeking medical care for fever, sore throat, and cold and some even complain of cough as well,” said Dr Sherif.

“People should take care and not expose themselves to extreme temperatures to avoid infection during this season. One should stay indoors or wear some rain gear when going out in the rain,” said Dr Khalid Mamdooh Alkubaisy, a specialist in internal medicine at Medeor Hospital, Abu Dhabi.

In the case of children, parents should be cautious and check their children’s health and not send them to school if they are sick, say doctors.