Schools and doctors across the UAE are urging parents to keep children at home when they develop flu-like symptoms, as influenza cases are being reported in schools.

Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny or blocked nose, body aches and fatigue. Some children may also experience vomiting or diarrhoea.

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Dr Bassem Shamseddine, specialist paediatrician, Mubadala Health Dubai, said “the back-to-school period often brings an increase in respiratory infections, with an early wave of influenza A infections already being seen this year. The main symptoms of influenza include high fever, often accompanied by nasal congestion, followed by cough and sore throat. Children may also experience fatigue, body aches, headache, and decreased appetite.”

Doctors recommend that children remain at home until they have been fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication. Influenza can last around 7–10 days, while coughing and tiredness may continue longer.

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Dr Sameh Abdelazim Mohamed, Head of Pediatric Department and Consultant Paediatrics at NMC Royal Hospital Abu Dhabi, said “children can remain infectious even after some symptoms have improved. The virus can still spread to classmates through respiratory droplets when the child coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact. With influenza, children can continue to shed the virus for several days after the illness begins, often longer than adults, so returning to school too early puts other children at risk.”

Health experts also recommend annual flu vaccination, good hand hygiene, adequate hydration and avoiding close contact with others while sick. Parents should seek medical advice if a child develops difficulty breathing, a high fever, dehydration or unusual fatigue.