In an unusual trend, UAE doctors are witnessing a significant increase in flu cases during the summer months, a period traditionally considered flu-free in the region.
Weather Changes and Travel Blamed
Medical professionals suggest that this unexpected rise could be due to “changes in the weather pattern” and the influx of international tourists, which may be facilitating the spread of flu strains.
Dr. Hend Makky, a General Practitioner at Aman Lil Afia Clinic in Dubai, noted, “A lot of doctors in the UAE are reporting a rise in influenza cases since summer started, raising concerns about a potential summer flu season. Traditionally, influenza peaks in the UAE during the cooler months, from October to February.”
Ongoing Investigations
The exact causes behind the surge are still being investigated. Dr. Makky explained, “Summer travel can expose people to different flu strains circulating in other parts of the world. This could introduce new strains into the UAE population, potentially leading to a surge in cases. It’s also possible that the predominant flu strain circulating this year is particularly contagious or causes more severe illness. This could contribute to a rise in cases regardless of the season.”
Dr. Mais M Mauwfak, a specialist in internal medicine at Thumbay University Hospital, also reported a “notable increase in flu cases,” which she attributes to the fluctuating weather conditions during the UAE’s summer.
Impact of Weather Fluctuations
Dr. Mauwfak elaborated, “The climate during summer fluctuates between extreme heat and high humidity, combined with sudden shifts in temperature due to air conditioning in homes, offices, and cars. These abrupt changes in temperature can exacerbate respiratory conditions such as rhinitis, sinusitis, and bronchitis. The dry, dusty environment often leads to irritated airways, making individuals more susceptible to viral infections like the flu.”
Doctors stressed the importance of differentiating between viral infections and allergies, as symptoms can often be similar. Dr. Mauwfak highlighted, “Careful diagnosis is crucial to ensure appropriate treatment for each condition.”
Emphasis on Flu Vaccination
Paediatric healthcare professionals are urging the public to prioritize flu vaccinations to curb the spread of influenza. Dr. Hassan Hababa, a Specialist in Pediatrics at Burjeel Day Surgery Center, Al Shahama, emphasized, “It’s essential for individuals, especially those in high-risk groups such as children, elderly, and people with chronic medical conditions, to prioritise influenza vaccination.”
Dr. Mamata Bothra, a Specialist Pediatrician and Neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, added, “Children visiting OPD are complaining of cough, running nose, fever, and strep throat. This is more compared to the same month in previous years. Influenza cases are not very common during summers and cases are seen more during winter months. But this year we are seeing more cases of influenza.”
Parental Guidance
Doctors also advised parents to ensure their children stay hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to bolster their immunity. Dr. Bothra warned, “Among other reasons, this may also be due to increased intake of icy cold beverages by kids, rise in junk food intake as compared to healthy fruits and vegetables consumed in daily diet, erratic sleep schedule, less exercise, vitamin deficiencies especially vitamin D. All these have a negative impact on immunity.”
