Are you down with a common cold or flu? Here is what UAE doctors advise

Dubai: Are you suffering from a cold or flu? If yes, what do you need to do?

The obvious answer is to talk to your doctor who will evaluate your symptoms and advise you accordingly. Given that the possibility of COVID-19 is ruled out, there are some basics to keep in mind if you are diagnosed with a cold or flu.

He said under the current pandemic times, it is common to make a mistake influenza for COVID-19. “Both cause respiratory illnesses — from asymptomatic to mild to a severe condition. Both are transmitted by contact, droplets and fomites,” he said, and added that a doctor is best qualified to tell the difference by following the treatment protocols and necessary tests in place.

In general though, flu has a shorter mean incubation period with the serial interval or the time taken for the virus to be transmitted from one person to another is three days. “Predominant Influenza viruses are Influenza A and Influenza B. They cause the classic symptoms of fever, cold, sore throat and cough. It may be preceded by body ache and headache.”

Influenza is usually self-limited and occasionally requires treatment with anti-viral medication, he added.

Doctors said people should not panic if they have a cold or cough or even a sore throat, but at the same time consult doctors to get the right advice.

Dr Rohankar said, “As a precautionary measure, isolate yourself from your family and friends till you recover. This will help in preventing spread of any infection.”

According to Dr George, in case of symptoms involving the upper-respiratory tract, people should take good rest and be in touch with the doctor who can keep track of the progress of the symptoms and recommend a COVID-19 test if necessary.