Brief
UAE doctors urge residents to vaccinate and mask during flu season
Doctors in the UAE recommend flu shots, masks and home rest to limit spread of respiratory infections as temperatures drop.
By Felo News Desk · Published
As cooler weather settles across the United Arab Emirates, doctors warn that influenza, common colds, Covid‑19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are likely to rise and advise residents to vaccinate, wear masks and stay home when ill, Gulf News reported on October 8, 2026.
What happened
Seasonal respiratory illnesses are returning with increased indoor gatherings, school activities, workplace interactions and travel. Physicians note a surge in coughs, sore throats, runny noses, fever, body aches and fatigue. The Gulf News article cites two general practitioners who outlined specific precautions for patients.
What the reports add
Dr Sumaiya Ali of Aster Clinic Tecom explained that influenza usually begins suddenly with fever, body aches, marked fatigue, headache, sore throat and cough, whereas the common cold is milder. She stressed that the flu vaccine remains the most effective preventive measure, developing protection after about two weeks and requiring annual updates because the virus evolves. Dr Roshan Mohammed Jawahar of Prime Medical Centre Al Barari focused on children, urging parents not to send a febrile child back to school even if medication temporarily lowers temperature, to prevent transmission to classmates. He also recommended avoiding sharing personal items and wearing masks around others, especially in healthcare settings or near vulnerable people.
What was said
"Influenza typically causes a more sudden illness with fever, body aches, marked fatigue, headache, sore throat, and cough, while common colds are generally milder," Dr Sumaiya Ali told Gulf News.
"Return to normal activities when symptoms are improving overall and you have been fever‑free for at least 24 hours without using fever‑reducing medication. For the following five days, take additional precautions around others," she added.
"Allowing adequate recovery helps the child and reduces the likelihood of spreading infection to classmates," Dr Roshan Mohammed Jawahar said.
How it came about
The advisory follows the UAE’s typical seasonal pattern of respiratory infections that intensify as temperatures fall. Earlier this year, Felo News covered related public‑health measures, including the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation’s wage‑protection steps and the country’s shift toward public transport after a petrol price rise, reflecting broader efforts to protect community health and wellbeing.
Key facts
- UAE doctors recommend flu vaccination as the primary preventive measure for the upcoming season (gulfnews.com)
- Influenza symptoms appear suddenly and are more severe than the common cold (gulfnews.com)
- Parents should keep children with fever at home even if medication reduces temperature (gulfnews.com)
- Mask‑wearing is advised for anyone with fever, cough or respiratory symptoms, especially near vulnerable individuals (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “How UAE residents can protect themselves during flu season”
