Flu used as excuse by UAE employees?

There seems to be a bug in the air. With the change in temperature, many health care experts in the city have reported an increase in the number of patients coming in to treat the flu virus.

In fact, it’s keeping many employees from heading back to work after their long Eid break as they have been advised to stay indoors and ensure they don’t contaminate the environment.

Some offices have reported a dip in their manpower, post the Eid celebrations.

“It’s still a holiday mood at work, as some have still not returned to work. Either they are away on holiday or they have got the flu,” informs a worker in a Dubai private firm.

“Some of our staff have reported sick in the last few days,” reported another HR officer.

In fact, some officials even question whether workers were actually misusing the “flu” excuse to prolong their holiday.

The depleting traffic scenario is a clear indicator that the flu has impacted work flow, with many residents claiming the drive to work is a breeze, even post the Eid break.

“Even after the Eid break, there’s not much traffic congestion. It’s so relaxing to drive these days,” describes a resident. “The fact that schools are closed could also be a reason.”

When Emirates247 contacted a few healthcare centers, they did report that there’s a bug in the air.

“This is due to the transition of temperature. This is especially true in Dubai. We have only two seasons, and shift from extreme hot summers to cold winters. October-November is the time when the flu virus is detected,” explains Dr Suresh Menon, medical director and specialist of internal medicine at Lifeline Hospital Jebel Ali.

“Kids are more prone to the flu virus and is often contracted at schools. But, even adults are equally susceptible to the virus.”

Although Dr Menon was unable to pinpoint whether there has been a marked increase in the number of cases, since last year, he concedes that many are reporting to the hospital with the flu symptoms.

A doctor at Dubai’s Zulekha Hospital also confirms that the last week has seen an increase in patients with the flu.

Dr Menon advises every resident to get the annual flu vaccine, which is available at most healthcare centers in Dubai. “It is a WHO approved vaccine, and each year, a new vaccine is made to tackle the varying strains in the virus,” he describes.

Available at a nominal fee of Dh30-40, most doctors suggest this is a vaccine that everyone in the family should take.

“After my kids got the flu, I got them both vaccinated. It’s not worth seeing them ill all the time. The flu vaccine is something every parent must ensure their kids take,” insists Neeti, parent of two school-going children.

(Home page image courtesy Shutterstock)

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