UAE Flu Season: What Doctors Advise Residents to Do This Winter
Coughs, fevers and sore throats are back as the UAE cools. Doctors explain how to tell flu from a cold, when to stay home and why October is a good month for a flu jab.
By Vadim Kouznetsov, published
Flu season has returned to the UAE as the weather cools, and doctors are seeing more patients with coughs, sore throats, runny noses, fever, body aches and fatigue. Several UAE doctors told Gulf News that influenza, colds, Covid-19 and RSV can all circulate in the cooler months, and shared what residents can do to stay healthy.
Flu or a cold: how to tell the difference
Dr Sumaiya Ali, a general practitioner at Aster Clinic Tecom, said influenza often comes on more suddenly than a cold. Flu typically brings fever, body aches, marked fatigue, headache, sore throat and cough, while colds are generally milder.
If you become acutely unwell, she advised staying home and limiting close contact with others. Her guidance on returning to normal life:
- Wait until your symptoms are improving overall.
- Make sure you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication.
- Take extra precautions around others for the following 5 days.
Flu vaccine in the UAE: who should get one and when
Doctors described the flu vaccine as the most important specific way to prevent flu and its complications. Protection takes about two weeks to develop, and you need a new jab every year because flu viruses keep changing and vaccines are updated.
According to the doctors, vaccination is particularly important for:
- Pregnant women.
- Young children.
- Adults aged 65 and older.
- People with chronic medical conditions or weakened immunity.
- Healthcare workers and carers of vulnerable people.
Dr Ensiyeh Rahimi, an infectious diseases specialist at Laser Medical Centre, said October is a good time for UAE residents to arrange their seasonal flu vaccination. Eligible people should also talk to their healthcare provider about Covid-19 and RSV vaccination in line with UAE recommendations. If you are unsure what your plan covers, read WhatsApp Panic vs Reality: Will UAE Health Insurance Really Jump 25% in 2026?
Keeping sick children at home
Dr Roshan Mohammed Jawahar, a general practitioner at Prime Medical Centre Al Barari, said parents should not send a child with a fever or illness back to school just because medicine has temporarily eased their symptoms. Proper recovery helps the child and lowers the chance of passing the infection to classmates.
He advised not sharing personal items when someone is ill. Anyone with fever, cough or respiratory symptoms should consider a mask around others, especially in clinics or near elderly or vulnerable people.
Dr Ruchi Deshpande, a homeopathy practitioner, noted that infections move quickly through households, often brought home from school. She suggested giving the sick person space to rest, improving airflow and not sharing cups or utensils.
Commuting, antibiotics and when to see a doctor
Dr Malaz Yabrodi, a specialist in internal medicine at Medcare Hospital Sharjah, said flu spreads more easily in crowded, enclosed places such as buses and the metro. Her tips for commuters:
- Wash your hands regularly or use hand sanitiser.
- Avoid touching your face.
- Cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
- Keep your distance from others where you can.
- Avoid public transport if you feel unwell, where possible, and consider a mask.
See also Dubai Metro Etiquette: Simple Hacks for Better Commuting 2025.
Dr Rahimi warned that antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as flu or colds, and unnecessary use adds to antimicrobial resistance. Avoid self-medicating, and see a doctor if symptoms persist or get worse.
Key takeaway
Flu season is here, and the doctors' advice is practical: get your flu jab, ideally in October, stay home when you are properly ill and keep feverish children out of school. Skip antibiotics for viral infections and get medical advice if symptoms are severe, persistent or worsening.
FAQ
When is flu season in the UAE?
Doctors say flu, colds, Covid-19 and RSV all circulate during the cooler months.
When is the best time to get a flu vaccine in the UAE?
Dr Ensiyeh Rahimi of Laser Medical Centre said October is a good time to arrange your seasonal flu vaccination. Protection takes about two weeks to develop.
When can I go back to work after the flu?
Dr Sumaiya Ali advises returning to normal activities when symptoms are improving and you have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medicine. Take extra care around others for the following 5 days.
Should I take antibiotics for flu?
No. Antibiotics do not treat viral infections such as flu or the common cold.
Who should get the flu vaccine?
It is particularly important for pregnant women, young children, adults aged 65 and older, people with chronic conditions or weakened immunity, and carers of vulnerable people.
Further reading
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