Dubai: The Abu Dhabi Health Authority (ADHA) has denied the latest rumour of swine flu affecting residents in the UAE.
With the seasonal change in weather, reports of influenza has been on a sharp rise.
According to reports in local Arabic media, the ADHA has confirmed that there are no cases of swine flu in the UAE, and warned residents not to believe rumours that have been circulating on social media.
The ADHA also clarified that that seasonal flu usually continues from October to the end of April, and said that some residents may not be able to differentiate the symptoms between swine flu and seasonal influenza.
The typical duration of influenza can range from five to seven days. However, cases of children can last up to a fortnight.
People with a compromised immune system due to advancing age, diabetes or pre-existing respiratory diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and asthma, are more susceptible to the virus.
Residents have been advised to get vaccine shots to fend off the flu, and have been cautioned against a number of side-effects, which may include mild redness or swelling at the injection site, a slight rise in temperature, minor body aches and a sore throat.
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Symptoms of seasonal flu include:
Congestion, post-nasal drip, excess mucus production, sneezing, runny nose, itchy and watery eyes, scratchy throat, tickle/irritation in the ears, decreased concentration and focus, decreased decision-making, exhaustion and sleep disorders, mood swings, irritability, low blood pressure, asthma, hives, eczema and middle-ear infections.
Home remedy to treat flu
Drink plenty of liquids. Choose water, juice and warm soups to prevent dehydration. Drink enough so that your urine is clear or pale yellow.
Rest. Get more sleep to help your immune system fight infection. • Consider pain relievers. Use an over-the-counter pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, cautiously. Also, use caution when giving aspirin to children or teenagers.
Remember, pain relievers may make you more comfortable, but they won’t make your symptoms go away faster and may have side effects.
Source: Mayo Clinic