COVID-19 symptoms very similar to flu, common cold in UAE

Gulf Today, Staff Reporter

The UAE health experts said during a press conference on Tuesday that COVID-19 symptoms are very similar to the symptoms of the flu or the common cold and that it triggers health problems.

Dr Farida Al Hosani, Spokesperson for the UAE Health Sector said, “We call on all members experiencing symptoms to go to the nearest health centre, and to provide health authorities with information of individuals who were in-contact with them.”

Early detection of new cases and their contacts is an important and effective weapon in limiting the spread of the virus, and thus reducing complications and deaths.

Farida said, “We find that there are some people who neglect respiratory symptoms and consider them as normal symptoms & do not seek testing or diagnosis until their health deteriorates & they develop acute respiratory symptoms such as difficulty in breathing.

The photo has been used for illustrative purposes.

“We note that COVID-19  symptoms are similar to the symptoms of the flu or the common cold, and it can only be differentiated through a PCR test.”

Minor symptoms such as fever, cold or coughing, especially among the elderly and people with chronic diseases, is one major indicator for the need to consult a doctor instead of relying on self-health care.

As the virus spreads and multiply more widely, the chance increases for continuous mutations as this is a natural characteristic and reason of mutation.  

She said our commitment to precautionary measures remains the best way to limit its spread.

Early COVID-19 treatment contributes to speeding the healing process, and reduces the possibility developing complications leading to intensive care admission or deaths.

International studies have shown that the risk of COVID-19 complications, hospitalisation and death doubles for people over 60 years of age and those with chronic diseases.

Measures to protect the elderly include, limiting direct contact with this age group, reducing the visit durations and testing before the visit, abiding to wearing protective masks, leaving a two meters distance, and washing and sterilising hands.

The COVID-19 vaccine is safe and effective for the elderly in particular, to raise immunity and reduce the chances of complications.