“Cold snaps increase blood pressure and put more strain on the heart making it work harder to maintain body heat. It is highly recommended to stay warm in your home, or make sure to wrap up warm when you go out,” urged Dr. Saad al-Nuaimi, HMC’s senior consultant in Emergency Medicine.
Common illnesses are on the rise during the cooler months, he pointed out. These include the flu, colds, norovirus, cold sores, sore throats, painful joints, asthma and heart attacks.
“As the weather changes in Qatar, there will be a noticeable change in the spectrum of illnesses that people are exposed to.These illnesses might affect a large percentage of the population, especially schoolchildren,” Dr. al-Nuaimi noted.
Flu outbreaks are most concerning for vulnerable populations, especially those aged 65 and above, and those with long-term health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
“The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine, which provides good protection and lasts one year. However, those with existing health conditions should see their doctors about the flu vaccination,” he said.
Another unpleasant common winter illness is norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.
“Norovirus is an extremely infectious stomach bug. It can strike all year round but is more common in winter and in places where you have large gatherings of people, such as shopping malls, hotels and schools. Though the illness is unpleasant, its symptoms are usually over within a couple of days,” he said.
He has recommended people with norovirus to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Those with asthma are being reminded of the importance of taking their prescribed medications and keeping their inhalers close by.
“Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in winter. If you have asthma and you smoke, stopping smoking can significantly reduce how severe and frequent your symptoms are,” said the physician.
He added that regular moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, could help keep asthma symptoms under control.
Dr. al-Nuaimi explained that sore throats are also common in winter due to viral infections.
“One quick and easy remedy for a sore throat is to gargle warm salty water. Though it will not heal the infection, it will soothe the sore throat because of the anti-inflammatory properties in the warm salty water.”
Common illnesses are on the rise during the cooler months, he pointed out. These include the flu, colds, norovirus, cold sores, sore throats, painful joints, asthma and heart attacks.
“As the weather changes in Qatar, there will be a noticeable change in the spectrum of illnesses that people are exposed to.These illnesses might affect a large percentage of the population, especially schoolchildren,” Dr. al-Nuaimi noted.
Flu outbreaks are most concerning for vulnerable populations, especially those aged 65 and above, and those with long-term health conditions such as diabetes and kidney disease.
“The best way to prevent the flu is to get the flu vaccine, which provides good protection and lasts one year. However, those with existing health conditions should see their doctors about the flu vaccination,” he said.
Another unpleasant common winter illness is norovirus, also known as the winter vomiting bug.
“Norovirus is an extremely infectious stomach bug. It can strike all year round but is more common in winter and in places where you have large gatherings of people, such as shopping malls, hotels and schools. Though the illness is unpleasant, its symptoms are usually over within a couple of days,” he said.
He has recommended people with norovirus to drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.
Those with asthma are being reminded of the importance of taking their prescribed medications and keeping their inhalers close by.
“Cold air is a major trigger of asthma symptoms such as wheezing and shortness of breath. People with asthma should be especially careful in winter. If you have asthma and you smoke, stopping smoking can significantly reduce how severe and frequent your symptoms are,” said the physician.
He added that regular moderate exercise, such as brisk walking or cycling, could help keep asthma symptoms under control.
Dr. al-Nuaimi explained that sore throats are also common in winter due to viral infections.
“One quick and easy remedy for a sore throat is to gargle warm salty water. Though it will not heal the infection, it will soothe the sore throat because of the anti-inflammatory properties in the warm salty water.”
