Here's how you can stay fit and healthy during the winter

Our readers have their say about the flu, domestic violence and India's controversial citizenship law

Washing hands is one of the most important precautions needed to avoid the spread of Covid-19. The National

I write to you in reference to Kelly Clarke's article UAE pharmacies report low flu treatment stocks after sickly start to winter (December 17): winter is here and along with it come the flu and other ailments. It is colder, the days are shorter and many struggle to maintain a positive outlook to life in general.

Be that as it may, it is important for people to take necessary precautions so that they don’t fall ill. Being well informed and dispelling myths help a great deal. For instance, people need to know that one doesn’t catch a cold by being exposed to the weather. It is in fact an infection of the upper respiratory tract that is caused by the inhalation of virus particles – spread through an infected person’s sneeze or speech, or by simply touching surfaces contaminated with respiratory secretions.

Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly, cover your mouth and nose to avoid dust, drink plenty of fluids, maintain a healthy diet with fresh fruit and vegetables to keep the immune system strong.

Regular exercise, including yoga and swimming, is beneficial in the long run. Also, avoid self-medication and the use of antibiotics.

Dr Saad Hafeez Usmani, Columbia Asia Hospital, Bengaluru

Domestic violence is an issue; so is violence against domestic helpers

I write to you in reference to your editorial Domestic violence is a silent scourge that must be banished (December 17): it is important to talk about domestic violence, because it is a global issue. But I think it is just as crucial to highlight another menace that occurs in several households around the world – that of violence against domestic helpers.

Many of them are not treated with respect by their employers, with some of them even being regularly subjected to verbal and physical abuse. Several such instances have been reported in India where I live.

On the one hand, it appears to be a local problem that deserves local solutions. But given that many cases involve migrant labour, the international community must also intervene – if only to apply pressure on the authorities of the country in question to intervene.

K Ragavan, Bengaluru

Indian government should focus on fixing the country’s economy

I write to you in reference to Taniya Dutta's article India's students rage against 'anti-Muslim' law as protests sweep across campuses (December 17): it is a shame that an elected government is playing with people's emotions instead of focusing on the issues such as the economy, jobs, infrastructure, education and public health.

It is high time we all rise above the politics of hate and work towards the progress of our country.

Firoz Nalakath, Dubai