It’s “flu season,” so use caution if you’ve noticed a feverish itch in your throat or abrupt development of a temperature.
The number of seasonal flu cases in Abu Dhabi has reportedly reverted to pre-pandemic levels, according to the Department of Health (DoH) in Abu Dhabi, and getting a flu shot is one of the best ways to ensure your health. In order to keep healthy throughout the changing seasons, health authorities in the UAE have been promoting the necessity for vaccinations and simple safeguards.
To guarantee ongoing vaccine, the DoH states that the influenza vaccine is revised annually. It is advised that people aged six months and older receive one dose of vaccinations annually. Individuals are protected for up to two weeks after the date of vaccination. The Department of Health advises giving children who are nine years old or under two doses separated by at least a four-week period.
How can one get a flu shot in the UAE?
Abu Dhabi
Any of the public health facilities in Abu Dhabi offer free flu shots to locals. You do not need to make an appointment to acquire the vaccine; simply visit any of the health centres and provide your Emirates ID and health insurance card.
Dubai
Residents of Dubai can receive flu shot at any of the medical facilities run by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA). You need an MRN number in order to make an appointment (Medical Record Number).
You would already have an MRN number if you had gotten a COVID-19 vaccination from a DHA vaccine centre during the previous two years. If you don’t already have one, you can create one by following these instructions:
You can call the DHA hotline at 800 DHA to schedule an appointment for the flu shot, or you can download the “DHA” smartphone app, which is compatible with both Apple and Android smartphones (342).
The cost of the vaccination is Dh50. For select Dubai residents, such as those over 65, People of Determination, those with chronic illnesses, those with children under the age of 5, and expectant mothers, it is, however, free.
Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah and Umm Al Quwain
Residents of the Northern Emirates, which include Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain, can go to an Emirates Health Services (EHS) health facility to get vaccinated against the flu.
The cost of the vaccination is Dh50. For select UAE citizens, it is, however, free, including those over 65, People of Determination, those with chronic illnesses, those with children under the age of 5, and pregnant women.
How flu spreads
Person to Person
People who have the flu can infect others. According to the majority of specialists, flu viruses are primarily transferred through droplets produced when sick person cough, sneeze or talk. People close (often no more than 6 feet away) may catch these droplets in their mouths or noses, or they may inhale them and take them into their lungs. Less frequently, a person may contract the flu by touching their own mouth, nose, or potentially their eyes after contacting a surface or object that has the flu virus on it.
Indirect Transmission
touching your eyes, nose, or mouth after coming into contact with contaminated hands or objects.
Signs and Symptoms
Symptoms of the flu usually come on quickly, and can include:
- Fever.
- Chills.
- Body aches.
- Cough.
- Headache.
- Sore throat.
- Runny or stuffy nose (congestion).
- Tiredness or feeling run down.
- Diarrhea or vomiting (usually only in kids).
You may not have all of these symptoms.
High-risk categories
- Pregnant women, regardless of stage of development.
- Kids aged 6 months to 5 years old.
- People over 65 years old.
- People who suffer from long-term medical disorders like chronic liver, hepatitis, lung, renal, neurodevelopmental, or cardiac diseases.
- Healthcare workers
Fundamental Elements to Prevent Influenza Transmission
A multifaceted strategy is needed to stop the spread of the influenza virus and other infectious pathogens in healthcare settings. The influenza virus can spread between patients, health care providers (HCP), and visitors. HCP also have a chance of catching the illness from members of their family or community. The primary preventative measures consist of:
- administration of influenza vaccine
- application of proper illness management practises, such as cough etiquette and respiratory hygiene HCP
- compliance with all patient care activities and aerosol-generating processes’ infection control precautions
- putting in place engineering and environmental infection control measures.
The presence of clear administrative policies and organisational leadership that encourage and facilitate adherence to these recommendations among the various people within the healthcare setting, including patients, visitors, and HCP, is necessary for the successful implementation of many, if not all, of these strategies. Each recommendation contains these administrative steps when applicable. To further avoid the spread of any infectious agents among patients and HCP, this advice should be put into practice as part of an all-encompassing infection prevention policy.