AC Sickness in the UAE: Why You’re Getting Sick as the Weather Changes
As the UAE’s evenings finally begin to cool, offering a welcome respite from the summer heat, a hidden health risk is on the rise. While outdoor conditions become more pleasant, our continued reliance on indoor air-conditioning is creating a perfect storm for throat infections, colds, and flu-like illnesses.
Local doctors are reporting a significant uptick in patients with these exact symptoms, and the culprit is often the constant shifting between two very different environments.
The Science Behind the Seasonal Sniffles
So, why does this happen? According to medical experts, your body gets caught in a damaging tug-of-war.
Dr. Mahmoud Medhat, a critical-care specialist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, explains that moving from cold, dry AC rooms to the warm, humid outdoors places significant stress on our primary defences: the nasal and throat passages.
“The small blood vessels in the mucous membranes of the nose and throat repeatedly constrict and dilate with these temperature swings,” says Dr. Medhat. “This process makes the tissues more vulnerable and less effective at fighting off viral invaders.”
This period from late September through November is a predictable peak for such illnesses. Dr. Athira Jayaprakash Engoor of NMC Medical Centre Abu Dhabi notes that children are often the first affected, easily contracting infections in schools and spreading them throughout families and workplaces.
What’s Actually Happening Inside Your Body?
The transition from a cool, dry interior to the warmer outdoors forces your body into a rapid and stressful re-adjustment.
Inside the AC: The cold, dry air dehydrates your nasal and throat membranes. This dryness impairs their ability to produce mucus, which is essential for trapping and flushing out germs.
Stepping Outside: The sudden exposure to warm, humid air causes those same blood vessels to swell rapidly, often triggering immediate symptoms like a runny nose or congestion.
Dr. Marian Malak Eshak Morkos, a family-medicine specialist at Burjeel Day Surgery Center Al Shahama, warns that this repeated cycle taxes the entire respiratory system. The more you oscillate between these extremes, the more you strain your body’s first-line defences, increasing the likelihood of waking up with a scratchy throat or full-blown cold.
Who is Most at Risk?
While healthy adults with strong immune systems may adapt without issue, certain groups are more vulnerable to this “AC sickness.” High-risk individuals include:
People with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes.
Those who are stressed, sleep-deprived, or have poor nutrition.
Children, whose immune systems are still developing.
Office workers, who experience long hours in climate-controlled environments followed by breaks in the warmer outdoors.
Common Symptoms: When to See a Doctor
The typical symptoms of this seasonal illness are familiar:
Sore throat
Runny or stuffy nose
Sneezing and mild cough
Low-grade fever
General fatigue
Most cases are viral and clear up on their own within 5-7 days. However, doctors advise seeking immediate medical attention if you experience a high fever, chest pain, or difficulty breathing.
5 Simple Steps to Prevent AC-Related Illness
You don’t have to choose between comfort and health. Doctors recommend these practical strategies to stay well:
Set a Moderate AC Temperature: Avoid blasting the AC. A setting between 23-25°C is ideal for maintaining comfort without creating an extreme indoor climate.
Allow for a Transition Period: Before heading outside, spend a few minutes in a naturally cooler area like a hallway or near a door. This gives your body time to adapt gradually.
Prioritize Hydration: Drinking plenty of water is crucial to combat the drying effects of air-conditioning and keep your mucous membranes functioning properly.
Boost Your Overall Health: A robust immune system is your best defence. Ensure you get quality sleep, eat a nutritious diet, and manage stress.
Get Your Flu Shot: Doctors strongly recommend the annual flu vaccination. As one specialist noted, “A huge percentage of healthcare costs can be saved with just a yearly flu shot.”
The Bottom Line
Enjoying the UAE’s beautiful cooler season doesn’t mean you have to endure constant colds. By being mindful of your AC use, allowing your body to adapt, and supporting your immune system, you can stay healthy and comfortable through the seasonal transition.
