Medically reviewed by
Dr. Aalim Dhandhukia
Medical Director, Advance Homeopathy Clinic
Published: | Last reviewed:
Patient information: This article is for general health education and awareness. It does not replace assessment, diagnosis or treatment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
Overview
Seasonal influenza, commonly called the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by
influenza viruses. It mainly affects the nose, throat and lungs and can affect people of all
ages.
For many people, influenza causes several days of fever, cough, body aches and tiredness
followed by an uncomplicated recovery. For others, particularly young children, older adults,
pregnant women and people with certain underlying medical conditions, influenza can lead to more
serious illness or complications.
With schools, nurseries, workplaces and families spending considerable time together indoors,
influenza in Dubai can spread quickly when seasonal flu activity increases.
The UAE's National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign 2026–2027 runs from September 2026 through
March 2027, with vaccination and prevention forming important parts of the country's seasonal
influenza awareness programme.
Knowing the symptoms of influenza, how it spreads, who is at greater risk and when to seek
medical care can help families make informed decisions during the flu season in Dubai and the
UAE.
Symptoms of Influenza
Flu symptoms often appear suddenly. Common symptoms include:1,3
- Fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough and sore throat
- Runny or blocked nose, headache, muscle or body aches
- Tiredness and weakness
Not everyone with influenza develops a fever. Most people with uncomplicated flu recover from the main symptoms within about a week, although cough and tiredness can last longer.
Is It Influenza or a Common Cold?
A cold often develops gradually, with sneezing, nasal congestion and throat discomfort. Influenza tends to begin more abruptly, with fever, chills, headache, body aches, cough and marked tiredness. Symptoms overlap with other respiratory infections, so medical assessment or testing may be needed when identifying the infection is important.
Influenza in Dubai and the UAE
WHO estimates that seasonal influenza causes around one billion infections worldwide each year, including 3–5 million cases of severe illness.1 Influenza may circulate throughout the year in tropical climates, with periods of increased activity. Confirmed outbreaks or increased community activity should be reported by the relevant public-health authorities.
What Causes Influenza?
Influenza is caused by influenza viruses. Influenza A and B are the main types responsible for seasonal epidemics in humans. The viruses change over time, so vaccine composition is regularly reviewed using global surveillance data.
How Does Influenza Spread?
Influenza spreads through respiratory particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or breathes. A person may spread the virus before realising they are ill and for several days after symptoms begin. Transmission is easier in homes, schools, nurseries, offices, shared accommodation and other crowded indoor environments.
Influenza in Schools and Children
Children spend several hours in classrooms, school transport, play areas and other shared environments. Close contact makes respiratory viruses easier to spread, and a child may be contagious before it is obvious that they are ill.
Flu Symptoms in Children
- Sudden fever, chills, cough or sore throat
- Headache, body aches, runny or blocked nose
- Unusual tiredness or weakness
- Vomiting or diarrhoea in some children
Parents should consider how the child is breathing, drinking, responding and behaving—not only the temperature reading. A child who appears seriously unwell needs medical assessment even if influenza has not been confirmed.
Should a Child With Flu Attend School?
A child who is acutely unwell with fever and significant respiratory symptoms should remain at home. Return to school should depend on recovery and current school or UAE/Dubai public-health guidance.
Who Is at Greater Risk of Severe Influenza?
Higher-risk groups include children under 5 years, adults aged 65 or older, pregnant women, people with chronic heart or lung disease, diabetes, kidney, liver, neurological or blood disorders, and people with weakened immune systems.1
Complications of Influenza
Most people recover without serious complications, but influenza can occasionally cause significant illness. Possible complications include:
- Pneumonia, secondary infection or severe respiratory illness
- Worsening of asthma, heart disease or other chronic conditions
- Inflammation involving other organs in uncommon cases
- Sepsis in severe infection
A return of fever, increasing cough, difficulty breathing or marked deterioration after initial improvement should prompt medical reassessment.
How Is Influenza Diagnosed?
A healthcare professional may suspect influenza after reviewing symptoms, medical history and examination. Not everyone needs a test. Molecular tests, including influenza PCR tests, may be used when confirmation could affect treatment or another clinical decision.
Influenza Treatment
Most otherwise healthy people with uncomplicated influenza recover with supportive care, including adequate rest, sufficient fluids and appropriate management of fever and discomfort.
Antibiotics do not treat influenza itself because influenza is caused by a virus. They may be needed only if a qualified healthcare professional identifies a bacterial infection or complication.
Antiviral Treatment for Influenza
Prescription antivirals can be particularly important for people who are severely ill, hospitalised or at greater risk of complications. Benefit is generally greatest when treatment starts early—ideally within 48 hours—although later treatment can still help some higher-risk or severely ill patients.6 A qualified healthcare professional should decide whether an antiviral is appropriate.
Caring for Yourself During Flu
Rest
Allow enough time to recover and avoid returning too quickly to strenuous activity.
Drink Enough Fluids
Fever can increase fluid loss, so drink enough water and other appropriate fluids.
Managing Fever and Body Aches
Use medicines only according to suitable medical or pharmaceutical advice.
Extra care is needed for children, pregnancy, other medical conditions or regular medication. Aspirin should not be given to children or adolescents with suspected influenza unless a doctor specifically advises it. Home measures should not delay assessment when symptoms are severe or worsening.
Influenza Vaccination in Dubai
Seasonal vaccination is an important part of flu prevention. The UAE's 2026–2027 National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign encourages vaccination and greater awareness, especially among people at higher risk.2 Vaccination can reduce the risk of influenza, severe illness and complications.
Why Is the Flu Vaccine Recommended Every Year?
Influenza viruses continually change, vaccine composition is reviewed using global surveillance, and protection decreases over time. For these reasons, annual influenza vaccination is generally recommended.4
Can You Still Get Influenza After a Flu Vaccine?
Yes. No influenza vaccine provides complete protection against every infection. Effectiveness varies with circulating strains, vaccine match, age and health factors, but vaccination can still lower the likelihood of influenza and serious complications.
Where Can You Get a Flu Vaccine in Dubai?
Use an appropriately authorised vaccination service or healthcare facility. Current service information is available from UAE and Dubai health authorities and authorised healthcare providers.
How to Help Prevent Influenza
No single measure prevents every infection. Vaccination combined with sensible infection-control measures can reduce the risk of infection and transmission.
- Consider seasonal influenza vaccination according to current health recommendations.
- Wash hands regularly and avoid touching the eyes, nose and mouth unnecessarily.
- Cover coughs and sneezes, and dispose of used tissues appropriately.
- Stay home when unwell and avoid close contact with vulnerable people.
- Keep frequently occupied indoor spaces appropriately ventilated where practical.
Seasonal Influenza: What to Remember
Most people recover without complications, but flu can become serious in vulnerable individuals. Recognising symptoms, keeping an unwell child away from school, reducing transmission, considering seasonal vaccination and knowing when to seek care can help families manage flu season more safely.
When Should You See a Doctor for Flu?
Seek medical advice when symptoms are severe, worsening, prolonged or affect someone at greater risk of complications. Seek urgent medical attention for:
- Difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, or chest pain or pressure
- Persistent dizziness, confusion, difficulty waking or reduced responsiveness
- Significant dehydration, seizures or severe weakness
- Worsening of an existing medical condition
- Symptoms that improve and then return or become significantly worse
When Should a Child With Flu See a Doctor?
Seek prompt medical attention if a child has fast or difficult breathing, is struggling to breathe, is unusually sleepy or difficult to wake, is not drinking enough, shows dehydration, develops bluish or grey lips or face, has a seizure, or improves and then becomes significantly worse.3
Seek advice earlier for young children and those with underlying conditions. If symptoms seem severe or life-threatening, seek emergency medical care.
References
- World Health Organization. Influenza (Seasonal). Fact Sheet.
- UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention. National Seasonal Flu Awareness Campaign 2026–2027.
- Mayo Clinic. Influenza (flu)—Symptoms and causes.
- World Health Organization. Global Influenza Programme—Influenza Vaccines.
- Mayo Clinic. Influenza (flu)—Diagnosis and treatment.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Treatment of Flu.
Medical disclaimer: This information is provided by Advance Homeopathy Clinic for general health education and awareness. It is not intended for self-diagnosis and does not replace consultation, diagnosis or treatment by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
