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Second peak of flu season in UAE? Doctors say never too late to get vaccinated
Doctors warn hospitals are seeing more patients with fever, cough, and fatigue — particularly families, older adults, and young children
- PUBLISHED: Tue 3 Feb 2026, 6:00 AM UPDATED: Sun 8 Feb 2026, 2:38 PM
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- Nandini Sircar
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Flu cases are once again rising across the UAE, with doctors warning that what many hoped was the end of the season may instead be an extended or second wave.
Clinics and hospitals are seeing more patients with fever, cough and fatigue — particularly families, older adults and young children — at a time when influenza activity is also rising in other parts of the world, including the United States.
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Health experts explain that flu season often unfolds in two phases. Influenza A usually peaks first, typically between December and January, while Influenza B tends to peak later, between February and April. This pattern means that even those who escaped illness earlier in the winter may still be at risk.
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Sustained flu activity amid post-holiday gatherings
UAE is seeing sustained flu activity rather than a sharp decline, said Dr Rehab Yousuf Al Saadi, specialist in family medicine and head of department at Saudi German Hospital, Dubai. She noted that after an early surge linked to travel and holiday socialising, cases have remained higher than expected for this time of year.
“Yes — in the UAE and globally we are observing a sustained rise in influenza activity heading into late January and February, which is traditionally peak season. Cases are currently higher than expected for this point in the year, following an earlier surge tied to travel and post-holiday social mixing.
"Reports from UAE hospitals indicate a sharp increase in flu cases in January, often considered the primary peak."
Doctors point to several factors driving this prolonged season, including cooler weather, more time spent indoors, post-travel gatherings, and lower-than-desired vaccination coverage, which leaves more people vulnerable to infection.
Dr Renuka Ramasamy, specialist in family medicine at International Modern Hospital Dubai, said this year’s flu season has been unusually persistent, with no clear drop-off in cases.
“From what we’re seeing, flu season this year appears longer and more persistent, with a second uptick rather than a clear decline. This pattern suggests ongoing community transmission rather than isolated outbreaks. Frequent social contact, and delayed or missed flu vaccinations have all played a role. The most effective steps now are vaccination, staying home when symptomatic, ensuring good sleep and nutrition to support immunity, and being mindful not to send sick children or adults to school or work.”
Certain groups remain especially vulnerable to severe illness, including older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions. Dr Poornima, specialist in internal medicine at LLH Medical Center, Shabiya, pointed out who is most at risk and what symptoms families should watch for.
“The most commonly affected age groups are adults over 65 years, children under 5 years, pregnant women, and women within two weeks postpartum. People with underlying lung disorders such as asthma or COPD are also at higher risk. In addition, individuals with obesity, heart disorders, kidney disease, or liver disease, as well as those with low immunity, tend to be affected more.”
She added that typical flu symptoms include high fever, extreme tiredness, sore throat, dry cough, muscle pain and a runny nose, and stressed the importance of simple protective measures at home and in schools.
“The common symptoms include high-grade fever (37.8–40°C), extreme tiredness, sore throat, dry cough, muscle pain, and runny nose.”
She explained that families can protect themselves by washing hands with soap and water, staying away from sick individuals, and keeping children with fever, cough, or cold at home instead of sending them to school.
“It is also important to avoid crowded places and wear a mask, as the virus spreads through droplets. Ensuring good ventilation at home is also recommended. If you experience breathing difficulty, persistent high-grade fever, dizziness, confusion, or pain or pressure in the chest, you should visit your doctor immediately,” noted the medic.
Never too late to get vaccinated
Health authorities continue to stress that it is not too late to get vaccinated. The flu shot protects against both Influenza A and B and, even if it does not completely prevent infection, it significantly reduces the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation and complications.
Dr Saadi reinforced the message, urging residents to remain vigilant even as the season progresses.
“Get the annual flu vaccine — even later in the season it boosts immunity and reduces severity.
Practice good respiratory hygiene: frequent handwashing, covering coughs/sneezes.
Stay home when symptomatic to avoid spreading to others.
Maintain a nutritious diet, good sleep, and hydration to support immune defence.”
