Flu season is here: What UAE residents can do to stay healthy
Dubai: As the weather cools across the UAE, doctors are seeing the return of familiar seasonal complaints, including coughs, sore throats, runny noses, fever, body aches, and fatigue. Influenza, common colds, Covid-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) can all circulate during the cooler months. Doctors say increased indoor gatherings, school activities, workplace interactions, and travel can…
As the UAE experiences cooler weather, residents are bracing for the return of seasonal health issues like flu, colds, Covid-19, and RSV. Influenza often strikes suddenly with fever, body aches, fatigue, headache, sore throat, and cough, according to Dr. Sumaiya Ali, a general practitioner at Aster Clinic Tecom. Common colds are usually milder.
Dr. Ali advises staying home and limiting contact with others if symptoms become severe. She emphasizes returning to normal activities only when fever-free for 24 hours without medication, and taking extra precautions for the next five days around others.
Annual flu vaccination is crucial for protection against the virus and its complications. Protection takes about two weeks to develop. Influenza vaccines should be given to pregnant women, young children, adults 65 and older, those with chronic medical conditions, and healthcare workers. Dr. Roshan Mohammed Jawahar, a general practitioner at Prime Medical Centre Al Barari, advises against sending sick children back to school until they have fully recovered to prevent spreading infections. He also recommends avoiding sharing personal items and wearing masks when sick.
Dr. Malaz Yabrodi, a specialist at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, warns that crowded, enclosed spaces like public transport can facilitate the spread of flu and respiratory infections. She recommends regular handwashing or sanitizing, not touching the face, covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and maintaining distance from others.
Unwell individuals should avoid public transport when possible and consider wearing masks. Dr. Ensiyeh Rahimi, an infectious diseases specialist at Laser Medical Centre, cautions against using antibiotics for viral infections like the flu or cold, as they do not treat these illnesses and contribute to antibiotic resistance. She stresses the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations, especially the annual flu shot, which is recommended in October.
Dr. Ruchi Deshpande, a homeopathy practitioner, notes that people should pay attention to early signs of illness, such as sore throats, blocked noses, coughs, fever, body aches, and fatigue, and take steps to minimize transmission within households. Persistent or worsening symptoms should be assessed by a healthcare professional.
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