The Flu Is On The Rise in The UAE This Winter

The flu is an airborne virus but it can also depend on vaccinations and hygiene

Doctors in the UAE are reporting an increasing number of flu cases in the country this year – saying that they are facing the biggest flu outbreak this winter.

Otherwise known as influenza, this airborne virus can be transmitted from one person to another very easily depending on the resistance of a person.

The strains of the flu are becoming more hostile and are not fought with regular resistance – making it more easily spread from person to person.

And due to this doctors are recording more resistance to antiviral drugs with the flu – some deaths have even occurred due to this weak resistance.

And now doctors are worrying against an increase in recorded flu cases this year – but have stated that this has been the case over the past three years and is getting progressively worse.

In 2017, Dubai hospital recorded approximately 1,086 flu cases but ever since the start of 2018, doctors have already recorded 670 cases.

While, 666 vaccinations were done in 2017 and 900 so far this year!

Common signs of the flu

• Runny nose
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Fever
• Respiratory problems

More on the flu

A flu season can last about six and eight months, more often during the months of September to April while October is recorded as the highest peak season for flu in the UAE.

Doctors warn that children, the elderly and heavy smokers are more prone to getting the flu and are advised to get yearly vaccinations in avoidance of this.

Vaccinations in the UAE are cheaper than abroad – with an estimated price of AED50 per shot.

And with more and more flight coming into Dubai and Abu Dhabi from around the world – the probability of the virus spreading even quicker is more likely.