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New research show strongest link yet between mother and infant transmission of COVID-19 There is "strong evidence" that COVID-19- positive mothers can pass the virus on to their unborn infants, scientists said Thursday, in findings that could affect how pregnant women are shielded during the pandemic. While there have been isolated cases of babies infected with the virus, the findings show the strongest link yet between mother and infant transmission. Researchers in Italy studied 31 pregnant women hospitalised with COVID-19, and found the virus in an at-term placenta, umbilical cord, the vagina of one woman and in breast milk. They also identified specific COVID-19 antibodies in the umbi...

UAE HEALTH AUTHORITIES PROVIDE DOS AND DON’TS FOR CLOTH MASKS If you have been wondering how you can safely wear a face mask made of fabric, the UAE’s Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) has provided detailed guidelines on all you need to know. A fabric mask can protect others around you, something referred to as “source control” by the World Health Organization (WHO). To protect yourself and prevent the spread of COVID-19, MOHAP also advised people to maintain social distance, clean hands frequently and thoroughly and avoid touching their face and mask. Face masks help in preventing asymptomatic carriers from spreading the disease, protecting others. However, coupled with regula...

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way we live our lives in a variety of ways. The stark reality is that the coronavirus crisis has even affected the way and manner many of us care for (and use) our eyes. There are some specific strategies you should consider employing when it comes to your eye care and eye health during the COVID-19 pandemic. Contact Lenses and COVID-19 Early on during the coronavirus health crisis, a considerable number of news reports indicated that people should abandon their contacts during the COVID-19 pandemic. As infectious disease experts and eye doctors continue to have a better understanding of COVID-19, there no longer is a general recommendation th...

Huda Tabrez, Senior News Editor If you going back to the gym is stressing you out, here are some basic guidelines that you can follow to make sure your fitness regime does not unnecessarily expose you to the new corona virus. The Dubai Health Authority issued guidelines on its social media channels for gym operators as well as customers to follow: The hygiene and social distancing guidelines were issued to curb the spread of COVID-19. According to the Dubai Sports Council (DSC) and Dubai Economic Department (DED), gyms in Dubai are allowed to operate at 50% capacity. Each Emirates has issued regulations on the maximum number of people allowed in gyms, if they have reopened, and need to...

Bullying is a very serious concern gripping educational institutes around the world today. While schools adopt a zero-tolerance policy, unfortunately it still exists. Often times, the crux of the problem are the kids who keep their suffering a secret. Jyotika Aggarwal, Clinical Psychologist reveals strategies for parents to initiate that conversation with kids.   Negative Messages At such an impressionable age, it is hard for the “bullied” to stand up for themselves. Getting the message that they are not “good enough”, children start to believe it. They are afraid of being judged as “weak” or being threatened, therefore, they don’t see the option of talking to their parents about it. To t...

Staff Reporter /Dubai / June 7, 2020 Residents are urged to avoid fake tips, guidelines and predictions on social media and websites. Recovered Covid-19 patients pose no threat to others, a top official has said. Authorities ensure that infected cases don't leave hospitals or quarantine facilities without fully recovering. During a virtual Press briefing on Saturday, Dr Farida Al Hosani, official spokesperson for the UAE health sector, said: "Covid-19 incubation starts two days before developing any symptoms and lasts up to eight days after the symptoms appear." A rundown of what health officials discussed at the briefing:- Rumours spread panic Dr Farida said more rumors about Covi...

A DHA official offers advice on how to minimise your risk of COVID-19 infection Published:  April 06, 2020, Noor Nazzal, DHA While the UAE Government has launched a nation-wide disinfection programme in line with the precautionary measures taken by the country to contain the spread of COVID-19, it is important for us as individuals to also make sure that our personal space and belongings are clean and virus-free. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), studies suggest that coronaviruses may persist on surfaces for a few hours or up to several days. This may vary under different conditions, such as the type of surface, temperature and humidity. Dr Hind Al Awadhi, Head of Health...

Published:  April 13, 2020 by Noor Nazzal, DHA DHA recommends taking precautions in homes to prevent the spread of the coronavirus. At this point, everyone is aware that physical distancing from others prevents the spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19), but many do not know that they should also practise physical distancing and other precautionary measures when they are home. Dr Hind Al Awadhi, Head of Health Promotion and Education Section at Dubai Health Authority (DHA) called on the public to practise physical distancing at home, even if all family members are healthy. The World Health Organisation advises that people maintain 2m (6 feet) distance from one another to prevent the sp...

Keep Your Distance to Slow the Spread. Limiting face-to-face contact with others is the best way to reduce the spread of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). WHAT IS SOCIAL DISTANCING? Social distancing, also called “physical distancing,” means keeping space between yourself and other people outside of your home. To practice social or physical distancing: Stay at least 6 feet (about 2 arms’ length) from other people Do not gather in groups Stay out of crowded places and avoid mass gatherings Limit close contact with others outside your household in indoor and outdoor spaces. Since people can spread the virus before they know they are sick, it is important to stay away f...

How what you consume can affect your immune system and your susceptibility to infection Published:  March 23, 2020, Keith J. Fernandez, Special to Better Health In recent weeks, much attention has focused on the role of the immune system and its role in defending against disease-causing microorganisms. While the body has an impressive array of weapons to battle any invaders, there are moments when pathogens bypass these warriors, virus and bacteria sometimes do get through. In such cases, your first port of call should be a medical professional who can advise on treatment routes. That said, there are a number of ways to reduce your vulnerability, including enhanced hygiene and other eve...