Health and Wellness

Dubai residents have been falling sick at higher rates this season. Clinics across the city are reporting a steady rise in patients presenting with fever, cough, fatigue, sore throat, and body aches, and the pattern appears different from previous years.

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious viral respiratory infection that primarily affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Unlike the common cold, flu symptoms often appear suddenly and can range from mild illness to severe complications, particularly in young children, older adults, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.

This year's flu season has been described by some UAE doctors as potentially one of the most active in over a decade, with outpatient visits for flu-like illnesses among the highest seen in years.

While influenza circulates every year, this season appears to have been influenced by a combination of persistent viral spread, increased international travel, school reopening, indoor gatherings, and lower vaccination uptake, all of which may be contributing to the rise in infections.

With many residents unsure whether their symptoms are caused by influenza, RSV, COVID-19, or the common cold, health experts continue to emphasize the importance of vaccination, early precautions, and timely medical care during periods of increased respiratory illness activity.

With many residents unsure whether their symptoms are caused by influenza, RSV, COVID-19, or the common cold, <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/lab-tests-at-home"> lab test services </a> can help identify the cause early and support timely treatment.

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This year's flu season has been unusually persistent, with a second uptick rather than a clear decline. The pattern suggests ongoing community transmission rather than isolated outbreaks, and delayed or missed vaccinations have contributed to it.

Part of this has to do with how flu spreads across the year. Influenza A usually peaks first, between December and January, while Influenza B tends to peak later, between February and April. Residents who avoided illness in winter aren't necessarily in the clear.

Dubai's position as a travel hub adds to the problem. A considerable proportion of recent cases appear linked to families returning from international travel, particularly from regions where the southern hemisphere flu season is active, like Southeast Asia and Australia. 

Children are among the hardest hit. There has been a significant rise in flu cases in recent weeks, with most children visiting outpatient departments presenting with cough, cold, and fever. The spike is most visible among children aged 3 to 12 who recently returned to school.

Why This Year’s Flu Season Looks Different

![flu virus spreading](https://frhstagingweb.s3.me-central-1.amazonaws.com/flu_virus_spreading_ab93a8272e.jpg)
Older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions remain especially vulnerable to severe illness. 

But this season, illness isn't staying contained to those groups. Flu and RSV viruses arrived earlier and have been more active than in previous seasons, and a number of patients are testing positive for both influenza A and B alongside atypical bacterial infections, which can stretch recovery times to a month.

Cases have remained higher than expected even after the early surge linked to travel and holiday socializing. Symptoms to watch for include high-grade fever between 37.8 and 40°C, extreme tiredness, sore throat, dry cough, muscle pain, and runny nose. Difficulty breathing, persistent high fever, dizziness, or chest pain are signs to seek prompt medical attention through a <a href="https://firstresponsehealthcare.com/ae/dubai/doctor-on-call">doctor at home service </a> or an emergency healthcare provider.

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Rising Flu and Fever Cases in Dubai: Can Vaccination Help Prevent Infection?

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Health and Wellness

Rising Flu and Fever Cases in Dubai: Can Vaccination Help Prevent Infection?

Dr. Amna Javed

May 20, 2026

Dr. Amna Javed

May 20, 2026

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