- Taking control of the flu pandemic.
As soon as the Adam family returned from their fun-filled trip to Europe, their joy was soured when their youngest family member, four-year-old Katy, came down with high fever and chills. It started with the little one and soon all three kids in the family, the older Mary and Tim in their preteens, were down with fever.
It was a week before school reopening and their GP said they had come back with a fresh strain of influenza. Tina, their mother, had to extend her leave to care for her sick children, and that ruined everyone’s holiday mood.
What happened with the Adam family is pretty much the case with many families returning from vacation. Flu is in the air, and last year’s flu vaccine is ineffective against new strains. General physicians are advising people to take the flu jab as soon as possible to prevent falling ill.
As the UAE continues to welcome global travellers and residents return from their summer breaks, the risk of encountering new influenza strains is higher than ever. With flu season intensifying, understanding how to identify, manage, and prevent infection is critical for maintaining both personal and public health.
Dr. Kiran Kumar
Specialist Internal Medicine
Thumbay University Hospital
Why the Flu Hits Harder Post-Travel
Dr. Kiran Kumar explains: “International travel exposes individuals to unfamiliar viral strains, especially from regions where different subtypes of influenza are circulating. These ‘foreign flu’ strains may evade existing immunity, making returning residents more vulnerable—and more likely to spread the illness within their communities.”
Spotting the Signs Early
Classic flu symptoms include:
- Sudden onset of fever
- Chills, fatigue, and muscle aches
- Sore throat, dry cough, or runny nose
- Headache and body pain
Unlike a common cold, the flu often appears suddenly and intensely, potentially leading to serious complications—especially in children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic conditions.
Top Ways to Fight Back
Get Vaccinated—Every Year
Speaking to HEALTH, Dr. Kiran elaborated, “Flu vaccines are updated annually to match evolving strains. The latest quadrivalent vaccines offer protection against four major influenza viruses, including newly dominant variants. The UAE Ministry of Health strongly recommends yearly flu shots, especially for healthcare workers, teachers, pregnant women, and those with comorbidities.”
- Strengthen Hygiene Habits
- Wash hands frequently with soap
- Use alcohol-based sanitizers when traveling
- Avoid touching your face and sharing personal items
- Cover your mouth with a tissue or elbow when coughing
- Boost Immunity Naturally
A balanced lifestyle can bolster your body’s natural defenses:
- Eat vitamin-rich foods (C, D, zinc)
- Get 7–8 hours of sleep
- Stay physically active
- Manage stress through relaxation techniques
- Stay Home if Sick
To prevent community transmission, stay home if you experience flu symptoms. Seek medical attention if high fever, shortness of breath, or persistent pain develops.
Consult Your Doctor for Antiviral Medications
Early intervention with antivirals like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can reduce flu severity and duration—especially for high-risk individuals.
Healthcare’s Role in Prevention and Care
Most hospitals are equipped with expert physicians trained to identify flu symptoms early and manage cases using evidence-based protocols. These include:
- Walk-in flu clinics
- Vaccination drives
- Multilingual health consultations
- On-site diagnostics and rapid flu testing
Stay Ahead of the Strain
Flu may be in the air, but so is awareness and protection. With vigilance, vaccination, and expert care, you can reduce your risk and ensure a healthier season for yourself and your loved ones. Timely vaccination provides herd immunity, lowering the risk of threat from a new strain. Hence, it is important to get the flu jab, doctors advise.
Protect yourself. Protect your family. Get your flu shot today at clinics across the UAE.
