Doctors offer health tips for UAE’s cooler season

Medical experts note that seasonal transitions tend to exacerbate pre‑existing ailments rather than spark new illnesses. Individuals living with asthma, heart disease or other chronic conditions should monitor any changes in their symptoms closely, while households can benefit from maintaining wholesome routines, staying hydrated and ensuring vaccinations are current.

Advice from family medicine specialist

Dr. Saumya Johnson, a family‑medicine specialist at Prime Medical Centre on King Faisal Road in Sharjah, says preparation starts with everyday preventive steps. She observes that the change of season may bring on asthma flare‑ups, sinusitis, headaches, dry skin, eczema and dehydration, with children, older adults and those suffering from asthma, diabetes or heart disease being especially at risk.

“Prevention is the best approach to staying healthy during seasonal changes. Residents should get their annual flu vaccination, keep other recommended vaccinations up to date, drink sufficient water, eat a balanced diet and maintain regular physical activity,” Johnson told Gulf News.

She stresses that good hygiene remains a cornerstone of prevention—frequent handwashing, adequate indoor ventilation and sufficient sleep help lower infection risk. Parents should encourage children to adopt these habits and keep them home when they feel unwell.

Johnson warns against using antibiotics unnecessarily, noting that most common respiratory infections are viral and therefore unaffected by such medication. She advises seeking medical help for a persistent fever, a worsening cough or any atypical symptoms, and stresses that breathing difficulties or chest pain demand urgent care. Those with chronic illnesses should continue their prescribed treatments and attend regular check‑ups.

She concludes that seasonal shifts should not weaken our dedication to health, and that simple preventive actions, timely vaccinations, proper hydration, balanced nutrition and prompt medical attention enable families to stay well year‑round.

“Seasonal changes should not affect our commitment to good health. Simple preventive measures, timely vaccination, adequate hydration, balanced nutrition and early medical attention can help families stay healthy throughout the year.”

Guidance from internal medicine expert

Dr. Rohit Jacob, an internal‑medicine specialist at Aster Clinic in Business Bay, highlights the importance of recognising when cooler weather affects an existing medical condition, particularly asthma or heart and lung disease.

He explains that temperature swings and exposure to cold air can provoke coughing, wheezing and breathlessness in asthma patients, especially when the condition is not well controlled, and that cold exposure also places extra strain on the heart. Jacob cautions against directly comparing the UAE’s relatively mild winter with the colder conditions examined in studies from other countries.

He also points out that skin issues such as dryness and eczema can worsen when temperature fluctuations affect the skin’s protective barrier.

“The best preparation is to focus on consistent, healthy habits. Make time for regular exercise and adequate sleep. The recommended duration is around seven to nine hours for most adults. Short sleep is associated with a higher risk of respiratory infections, while regular physical activity can help reduce their frequency and severity,” shared Jacob.

Jacob recommends arranging the annual flu vaccination well before illness becomes widespread, noting that although the vaccine does not guard against every seasonal infection, it reduces the risk of influenza and flu‑related hospital admissions.

For individuals with asthma or heart conditions, recurring wheezing, chest tightness or unusual breathlessness should not be dismissed as merely a reaction to the weather; these signs merit medical evaluation.

Recommendations from pulmonology consultant

Dr. Abdalkarim Nassar, a consultant in pulmonology and internal medicine at Medcare Shaikh Saqr Al Qasimi Hospital in Sharjah, advises residents to pay attention to hydration, skin care and environmental factors as the weather becomes more conducive to outdoor activity.

He notes a common oversight: drinking less water because cooler temperatures diminish the sensation of thirst. Those who exercise or spend long periods outdoors should continue to drink water throughout the day.

He adds that shifting humidity levels and indoor air‑conditioning can contribute to dry, itchy skin and eczema flare‑ups; regular application of moisturiser can alleviate dryness and irritation. People with arthritis or other joint conditions may experience stiffness or discomfort that should be assessed if it persists or interferes with daily activities.

“The change in temperature offers a good opportunity to walk outdoors, exercise regularly, and spend more time being physically active. However, it is important to dress appropriately, especially during early mornings and evenings when temperatures can be noticeably lower,” said Nassar.

Nassar stresses the importance of environmental awareness—checking weather forecasts and air‑quality reports before heading outside, particularly on days when dust levels are high, and maintaining sun protection as part of the daily routine because UV exposure remains a concern in the UAE even during cooler months.

He urges people with asthma, eczema or other chronic conditions to review their management plans with their doctors, especially if they tend to suffer seasonal flare‑ups. Persistent coughing, breathing difficulties, unusual fatigue or recurring discomfort should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.

Preparing for cooler weather does not demand a complete lifestyle overhaul; instead, doctors recommend focusing on the basics—maintaining a balanced diet, drinking enough water, getting sufficient sleep, exercising regularly and adhering to prescribed treatments.

Keeping vaccinations up to date and recognising symptoms that persist or worsen also enables residents to act before health problems become more serious.

For UAE residents, the aim is to enjoy the cooler months while staying attentive to the body’s needs; consistent healthy habits and timely medical advice can make the seasonal transition easier to manage.