Doctors at Dubai Health Authority took questions from the public during a live session on social media to clear misconceptions about the new coronavirus.
The broadcast was organised under the Sehatek, or your health, initiative, a weekly online show in which doctors answer queries on Instagram and Periscope.
On Monday, Dr Sawsan Al Nahas and Dr Hind Al Awadhi from the authority’s Public Health Protection Department took questions from an online audience of 790 people.
How does the virus spread?
Different strains of coronavirus have been identified in humans and animals since the 1990s.
A person must be in direct contact with a patient to get infected
The new virus is believed to have originated in a large animal and seafood market in Wuhan, China, and infected humans.
“In January it was announced that the virus that caused pneumonia [in those people] was related to a new strain of corona and was then named novel coronavirus,” Dr Al Nahas said.
“The virus usually causes mild symptoms and can develop in new strains that can cause mild to severe symptoms.”
The virus spreads like any other respiratory disease, Dr Al Awadhi said.
“In the beginning, the virus was transmitted to humans from animals and now it can be transmitted between humans like any other respiratory disease.
“It transmits through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes, and through direct contact with the infected person,” she said.
Can I catch the virus from walking by an infected person?
“It’s not that easy to get infected,” Dr Al Awadhi said. She said a person would have to have direct contact with a patient, such as by living or working with them for several hours, to catch the virus.
Hygiene is the best way to protect yourself. Dr Al Awadhi said washing your hands thoroughly and frequently helps fight any kind of virus.
She suggested rubbing sanitiser between your hands for 20 to 30 seconds, ensuring every surface is cleaned, including between the fingers and around the fingertips and nails.
Can pets or outdoor animals give me coronavirus?
“According to what I know, animals in the UAE are not infected with the virus,” Dr Al Awadhi said.
Dr Al Nahas asked people to cover their mouths while coughing to prevent germs spreading.
“You can either cough or sneeze in a tissue and immediately discard it in the rubbish bin. You can also sneeze in the crook of your arm, or inner elbow but never in your hand,” she said.
“And wash your hands after coughing or sneezing.”
Can an imported package from China carry the virus?
No, Dr Al Awadhi said. “The virus needs a living body to keep alive and it doesn’t live on surfaces for long, so it can’t transfer through goods and packages.”
Does the virus breed in a dry throat?
There have been several posts online that recommend drinking warm water to prevent coronavirus.
Drinking water is good for health but the doctors say there is no evidence that suggests it can be a safeguard against coronavirus.
“A dry throat is a sign of dehydration and cannot be connected to the virus,” Dr Al Nahas said.
The doctors advised people to visit health centres if they have returned from China and experience flu-like symptoms.
“In general, sick people should stay home and refrain from going out or visit crowded places. They should avoid shaking hands, kissing and nose-to-nose greeting,” Dr Al Nahas said.
How can people be treated if no cure exists yet?
“This is actually one of the questions we are constantly asked after the country announced the recovery of one patient,” Dr Al Nahas said.
Though there is no cure for the new coronavirus, the symptoms are very similar to those of flu and are treated with painkillers and medicines used to treat upper respiratory tract infections.
Dr Al Awadhi said the virus incubation period ranges from two to 14 days.
“The treatment period cannot be confirmed as it depends on the patient’s health situation and immune system,” she said.
“It is not a chronic disease as many think that it can stay in your body forever,” Dr Al Awadhi said.
Can garlic and herbs fight the virus?
“Garlic is good for health but there is no scientific study that proves it can treat the virus. It is the same for herbs,” Dr Al Awadhi said .
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Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Countries recognising Palestine
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Important questions to consider
1. Where on the plane does my pet travel?
There are different types of travel available for pets:
- Manifest cargo
- Excess luggage in the hold
- Excess luggage in the cabin
Each option is safe. The feasibility of each option is based on the size and breed of your pet, the airline they are traveling on and country they are travelling to.
2. What is the difference between my pet traveling as manifest cargo or as excess luggage?
If traveling as manifest cargo, your pet is traveling in the front hold of the plane and can travel with or without you being on the same plane. The cost of your pets travel is based on volumetric weight, in other words, the size of their travel crate.
If traveling as excess luggage, your pet will be in the rear hold of the plane and must be traveling under the ticket of a human passenger. The cost of your pets travel is based on the actual (combined) weight of your pet in their crate.
3. What happens when my pet arrives in the country they are traveling to?
As soon as the flight arrives, your pet will be taken from the plane straight to the airport terminal.
If your pet is traveling as excess luggage, they will taken to the oversized luggage area in the arrival hall. Once you clear passport control, you will be able to collect them at the same time as your normal luggage. As you exit the airport via the ‘something to declare’ customs channel you will be asked to present your pets travel paperwork to the customs official and / or the vet on duty.
If your pet is traveling as manifest cargo, they will be taken to the Animal Reception Centre. There, their documentation will be reviewed by the staff of the ARC to ensure all is in order. At the same time, relevant customs formalities will be completed by staff based at the arriving airport.
4. How long does the travel paperwork and other travel preparations take?
This depends entirely on the location that your pet is traveling to. Your pet relocation compnay will provide you with an accurate timeline of how long the relevant preparations will take and at what point in the process the various steps must be taken.
In some cases they can get your pet ‘travel ready’ in a few days. In others it can be up to six months or more.
5. What vaccinations does my pet need to travel?
Regardless of where your pet is traveling, they will need certain vaccinations. The exact vaccinations they need are entirely dependent on the location they are traveling to. The one vaccination that is mandatory for every country your pet may travel to is a rabies vaccination.
Other vaccinations may also be necessary. These will be advised to you as relevant. In every situation, it is essential to keep your vaccinations current and to not miss a due date, even by one day. To do so could severely hinder your pets travel plans.
Source: Pawsome Pets UAE
A list of the animal rescue organisations in the UAE
