Is Flu Season Year-Round in the UAE? A Pediatrician’s Guide for Parents
Between frequent travel, back-to-school bug swaps, and constantly moving from hot outdoors to blasting air conditioning, it often feels like our kids are catching something every single month. But has the traditional "flu season" truly disappeared in the UAE?
We sat down with Dr. Sadeem Bashiti, Paediatric Specialist at King’s College Hospital Dubai, to break down what’s really circulating, the truth behind annual flu jabs, and how to protect your little ones without the overwhelm.
The New "Year-Round" Reality: We often talk about "flu season," but between frequent travel schedules and erratic weather shifts, it feels like children are getting sick year-round. Has the traditional concept of a flu season disappeared, and why are we seeing viruses circulate so continuously now?
While we are noticing that there can be more than one peak of influenza infection during the year and sporadic cases happen all year round, the flu is actually still considered seasonal in the UAE, with the highest number of cases typically seen during the winter months, from October to February.
Children can pick up viral infections throughout the year, particularly with international travel, school and nursery environments, and families regularly moving between different climates. In the summer, children also tend to spend more time indoors and in air-conditioned environments, which can play a role in the spread of respiratory viruses.
Young children are also still building their immunity to many common viruses, so it is normal for them to experience several infections over the course of a year, especially once they start nursery or school. Rather than focusing only on a particular season, I encourage parents to think about prevention year-round. Good hand hygiene, staying up to date with recommended vaccinations, adequate sleep and keeping children home when they are unwell can all help reduce the spread of infection.
Flu Season 101: What are the main viruses currently doing the rounds among kids in the UAE, and what types of flu jabs (or alternatives, like nasal sprays) are available for children this year?
We commonly see a range of respiratory viruses in children, including influenza, RSV, rhinovirus and other viruses that can cause cough, fever, congestion and sore throat. The symptoms can look quite similar initially, which is why parents should pay attention to how their child is behaving overall, rather than trying to identify the virus based on symptoms alone.
Annual influenza vaccination remains one of the most important ways to reduce the risk of flu and its complications. Depending on a child’s age, medical history and the vaccines available, this may be given as an injection or, for eligible children, as a nasal spray. Parents can speak to their pediatrician about which option is appropriate for their child. This is particularly important for children with underlying medical conditions or those who may be more vulnerable to complications from respiratory infections.
Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy: Many parents feel hesitant or choose to skip the annual flu jab for their children. What are the most common concerns or misconceptions you hear from parents, and how do you address them?
One of the most common things I hear from parents is, “My child had the flu vaccine last year and still got sick.” It is important to explain that the flu vaccine specifically protects against four strains of influenza. Protection from the vaccine peaks within the first one to four months and starts to wane after around six months, which is one of the reasons the flu vaccine is given every year.
The influenza vaccine is also modified each year according to changes in the virus strains that are circulating. This is because influenza viruses change over time through what we call viral mutation, which means the viruses circulating this year may be slightly different from those we saw last year. So the vaccine does not prevent every cold, cough or respiratory virus a child may encounter.
Another concern is that the vaccine itself can give a child the flu. The injectable flu vaccine cannot cause influenza, although some children may experience mild side effects such as soreness at the injection site, tiredness or a low-grade fever.
I always encourage parents to ask questions rather than feel pressured. As pediatricians, our role is to explain the benefits, possible side effects and what the vaccine can realistically do. Vaccination cannot guarantee that a child will never get influenza, but it can reduce their likelihood of becoming seriously unwell or developing complications.
Prevention & At-Home Care: Aside from vaccination, what are your top 2–3 non-negotiable rules for parents to boost their child’s immunity and manage early symptoms safely at home?
My first rule is to focus on the basics. There is no single food, vitamin or supplement that can “boost” a child’s immune system overnight. Regular sleep, a balanced diet, physical activity, good hydration and routine vaccinations are much more important.
Second, teach good hygiene from an early age. Encourage kids to wash their hands well, cover coughs and sneezes, and not share bottles or utensils, especially if someone at home or school is sick.
When a child does become sick, hydration and rest are usually the priorities. Parents should monitor their temperature and general behavior and use age-appropriate fever medication only as advised. Most importantly, watch the child rather than simply the thermometer. Difficulty breathing, unusual drowsiness, dehydration, persistent high fever, a child who is deteriorating, or any concerning symptoms in a very young baby should prompt medical assessment.
Final Advice for Nervous Parents
It is completely understandable for parents to have questions, whether they are worried about their child getting sick or unsure about giving them the flu vaccine. My advice is not to let that uncertainty stop you from having the conversation. Speak to your pediatrician, ask what you need to ask, and make the decision based on reliable medical advice and your child’s individual health.
When it comes to the flu vaccine, it has been used in children for many years and is an important way to reduce the risk of influenza and, particularly, the chance of more serious illness and complications.
And if your child does become unwell, try to focus on how they are behaving overall. Are they drinking, responding normally and breathing comfortably? Most childhood viral infections improve with time and supportive care, but if something does not feel right or your child is getting worse, seek medical advice. Parents should always feel comfortable asking for help.
Dr. Sadeem Bashiti is a pediatric specialist at King’s College Hospital Dubai. She cares for infants, children, and teens, supporting their health with routine checkups, vaccinations, and by diagnosing and treating common and urgent childhood illnesses.