Dubai: Doctors advise people to stay indoors as far as possible as winds of over 40km/h are whipping up dust across the emirates and could trigger allergies and wheezing.
If you have to be outdoors then doctors suggest one should cover the mouth and nose properly so as to avoid breathing in the fine dust particles. Parents should cover the mouth and nose of children with a damp cloth to cut out the dust particles, according to Dr Esther Jacob, specialist paediatrician at MedCare Hospital.
If travelling with children in a car, stop the flow of air from outside and change the knob to re-circulate the air, said Dr Jacob. She advises care of the eyes as dust particles in the eyes may also trigger allergic reactions.
The Met Office warns of unsettled weather and that winds could go up even to gale force (over 60km/h) tomorrow. Doctors also advise against vigorous exercise such as jogging outdoors as it's easier to inhale the fine dust particles.
The Met Office also advises against being on the beach and not to venture out into the water.
With the winds bringing down night-time temperatures to less than 20 degrees Celsius, doctors said that it could increase chances of viral infections. Dr Mazen Naba, specialist, infectious diseases, said high winds will easily transmit infections. The doctor said the rapidly changing temperatures may affect the immunity levels and there may be many cough and cold cases.
He advised avoiding people with a cold, eating a good, nutritious diet and daily exercise (indoors).
Dr Jacob said if you had to be outdoors then to wear a P3 mask (which can be bought from a hardware store). The dust exacerbates the pre-conditions of those who have asthma, she said.
