Dubai schools have introduced strict health and attendance guidelines to urge parents to keep sick children at home. Moreover, this step comes as part of a broader effort to reduce transmission during the peak months between September and March during the UAE Flu season.
Schools across Dubai are highlighting the importance of vaccination, hygiene, and responsible attendance to ensure staff and students remain safe. Moreover, health experts have advised that children are required to be symptom-free for a minimum of 24 hours without medication before coming back to school.
Preventive Health Takes Priority
Dr. Mirrah Agha Kandil, Group Medical Director at GEMS Education, highlighted that prevention is the best defense against seasonal influenza. Dr. Kandil said, “We always highlight that prevention is better than cure; if there are no contraindications, vaccination is strongly recommended.”
GEMS schools are supporting awareness through newsletters, circulars, and school-wide health sessions. Moreover, clinic teams are also educating children about hand hygiene, cough etiquette, and healthy lifestyle habits, including balanced nutrition, regular exercise, and sufficient rest. However, all are essential to maintain a strong immune system.
In addition, GEMS gives annual flu shot coverage to all staff members and extends benefits through its GEM Rewards programme. Hence, it offers discounts and flu-related perks for families, friends, and the wider community.
Recognizing UAE Flu Symptoms Early
Dr. Noorish Zia, school doctor at Dubai International Academy, requested parents to stay alert for signs of flu, which usually include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and nasal congestion. Dr Zia said, “Vaccination, personal hygiene, and keeping sick children at home are three key defences against the seasonal influenza.”
She also added that parents should watch for the related symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhoea, fatigue, and muscle aches. Suppose a child is diagnosed with the influenza. In that case, the school needs parents to submit medical reports or lab results for proper documentation and health tracking.
The influenza vaccine is available at all government primary healthcare centres and private hospitals across Dubai. Dr. Zia. highlight, “Protect your children by getting the seasonal influenza vaccine every year – it is the most effective way to prevent disease”.
Layered School Approach to Safety
Administrators of the Woodlem Park School, Dubai, are implementing a layered prevention strategy to protect the school community. Moreover, Joseph Sebastian, Vice Principal for Administration and Student Affairs, said, “Seasonal influenza affects the whole community, and schools sit at the centre of that ecosystem”.
The following are the common plans that most schools are implementing:
- Frequent handwashing and cough etiquette awareness.
- Regular cleaning of high-touch surfaces.
- Enhanced ventilation across classrooms.
- Timely communication between home and school regarding illness updates.
In addition, Sebastian reassured families that students are not going to face penalties for staying home due to illness. Moreover, teachers give catch-up material. In addition, pastoral teams will offer adequate support to help students stay on track. Furthermore, he highlighted that keeping one unwell child at home helps protect many others.
Health Officials Urge Vaccination
The UAE authorities are continuously urging residents to receive the latest influenza vaccine. Moreover, high-risk groups, like children or those with chronic disease, are strongly advised to take the vaccine. However, the annual vaccine is created to protect against the most common and current flu strains circulating during the season.
In addition, the education community of Dubai is setting a strong example of collective responsibility, as schools continue to raise awareness related to the UAE flu. Moreover, it ensures that prevention, awareness, and compassion remain at the forefront of the flu season this year.
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