Dubai: Is it safe for COVID-19 survivors to fast during Ramadan? Yes, of course, assure doctors in Dubai. However, it is always advisable that COVID-19 survivors go for a pre-Ramadan medical checkup under a physician’s advise and consult a pulmonologist and an internal medicine specialist before they decide on fasting.
The Centre for Evidence Based Medical Studies, University of Oxford, has stated that no research has indicated any adverse effect of fasting on COVID-19 survivors and assures such patients that they can fast during the entire month, under expert medical guidance and must make sure to take care of hydration, nutrition and sleep.
Take the case of Indian expatriate Jamal Abdul Nasir. The 60-year-old PRO with a multinational consulting company tested positive for COVID-19 in April 2020. For nearly a month, he was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at LLH Hospital, Abu Dhabi, under the supervision of Dr Shehnaz P Abu, specialist pulmonologist, who was treating him for his lung fibrosis and delicate respiratory infections.
“That year, I was unable to fast as I was battling for my life. Even after I recovered, for nearly a month-and-a-half, I was dealing with severe chest infection, breathlessness and high blood pressure. I diligently kept my appointments with Dr Abu. She made sure to monitor my progress, putting me on medication to stabilise my blood sugar, blood pressure and other vital parameters, screening me once every three months with lung X-rays until I felt strong enough to observe the fast in 2021,” he said.
Once Nasir’s condition stabilised and he was able to establish a good daily routine, he could observe Ramadan during May 2021. “I kept all my fasts diligently and without any issue. However, I was careful to get my pre-Ramadan check-ups done. Moreover, I undergo a comprehensive medical check-up, once every three months. I am looking forward to keeping my fasts this Ramadan. I feel absolutely normal and motivated.”
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