Doctors in the UAE emphasize the significance of students receiving flu vaccinations before returning to school post-summer. The flu shot is crucial as it not only protects students from illness but also helps in curbing the spread of the virus to others. The flu virus, prevalent from September to April, heightens the risk of contracting various mild to severe respiratory illnesses from different strains.
Dr. Hanan Elmorshedi, Specialist Pediatrics at Burjeel Day Surgery Center, Al Dhafra, underscores the importance of these vaccinations. "Influenza is the most common and easily contagious disease. It spreads rapidly among students. By getting vaccinated, students will be protected against the influenza virus, reducing their risk of illnesses and helping prevent the spread of the virus among peers," she noted.
After schools reopen, students often face respiratory issues, including the common cold, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. "Influenza (flu) is also prevalent during this time and can cause more severe symptoms. Other frequent concerns include bronchitis, a persistent cough, and asthma exacerbations. Catching a cold or developing respiratory infections can trigger asthma attacks, particularly in children with pre-existing conditions," added Elmorshedi.
The flu vaccine is known to reduce the risk of contracting the illness by over 50 percent, which can help prevent severe complications. Complications are particularly reported in infants under five years old, older adults aged 60 and above, and individuals with high-risk medical conditions such as asthma, chronic lung diseases, heart disease, diabetes, chronic liver and kidney disorders, blood disorders, neurological conditions, weakened immune systems, and severe obesity.
Dr. Noha Mohamed Ali Kharie, Consultant Pediatrics at Zulekha Hospital Sharjah, highlighted, "One major concern for parents as they prepare to send their kids back to school is the risk of common illnesses that children can easily catch. Not only do you hate to see them sick, but they often have to miss school, which means you may have to miss work to care for them. Besides, there’s the risk that the illness may spread to the rest of the family, including you. Some of these illnesses can be prevented by vaccines."
Healthcare professionals explained that the gradual onset of the winter season also brings with it many communicable viral diseases. Dr. Arun Shikaripur, Specialist Pediatrician at International Modern Hospital Dubai, noted, "Though the school reopening is a fun time for most children it has its own disadvantages. Some children who would have visited their home countries will come back with illnesses, which can be transmitted easily to the healthy children."
The vaccine typically provides immunity against the flu within a couple of weeks of receiving the shot, and it protects against Influenza A H1N1, Influenza B, and H3N2. Getting vaccinated on time and following appropriate precautions also helps prevent the spread of the flu within the community. "The vaccine must be taken at least three weeks before the onset of the Influenza season, as this gives time for the antibodies to reach the protective levels in the body," he added.
Aside from flu shots, doctors stress that parents should ensure their 5-year-old receives the mandatory DHA vaccines, including the DPT and varicella vaccines, before returning to school after the holidays. Shikaripur said, "There are many optional vaccines that parents should be aware of, like the hepatitis A vaccine, Typhoid vaccine, and meningococcal vaccine, which are very safe and useful vaccines to prevent dreadful infections."
