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Annual Flu Vaccine Dubai: Stay Protected This Flu Season

Seasonal influenza, also known as the flu, is a viral illness that strikes millions annually. Here at Medilife Polyclinic in Dubai, we provide secure and safe influenza vaccinations to ensure that people, families and companies stay healthy during the flu season.

flu vaccine dubai

What Is a Flu Vaccine

The flu vaccine is an annual vaccine developed to safeguard against the most prevalent strains of influenza that are expected to appear during the course of the season. It helps the immune system to recognize and combat the virus prior to it can cause severe illness. 

Why is the flu vaccine important

Seasonal influenza is a contagious viral illness that spreads quickly through sneezing or coughing. Influenza can cause grave complications in particular for people who are at risk. Influenza can cause:

  • High fever
  • Consistent cough
  • Sore throat
  • Body aches
  • Fatigue
  • Headaches
  • Respiratory complications

When it is severe, an illness like influenza may result in hospitalization, pneumonia and other severe health problems. The annual vaccination greatly reduces the possibility of getting sick and serious illness.

Useful link: Vaccination centers in Dubai

Benefits Of Getting A Flu Vaccine In Dubai

The flu vaccination is among the most efficient methods to protect yourself against the flu season and its consequences. In cities such as Dubai which is where many people move around and engage with diverse groups, vaccines play a crucial function in maintaining good health.

Protects Against Seasonal Influenza

The flu vaccination helps your body to build up immunity to the spread strains of influenza that are expected to be present during flu season. It significantly lowers the risk of being infected and experiencing flu-related symptoms, such as nausea, cough, pain, fatigue and so on.

Reduces Your Risk Of Getting The Flu

The most important advantage of a flu vaccine is to reduce the risk of contracting the flu. Research has proven that flu vaccines aid in preventing millions of illnesses as well as medical visits each year.

Ideal for Dubai’s International Lifestyle

Dubai is a major hub in the world which welcomes millions of tourists as well as business travellers every year. Interaction with other people from various locations can make it more difficult to avoid seasonal illnesses. The flu vaccination adds an additional security layer for local tourists and locals alike.

Lowers the Risk of Complications

Some groups, such as those who have asthma, diabetes, heart disease, as well as others who have chronic conditions, are more at risk of developing complications from the flu. The vaccination program helps to reduce the risk of getting serious respiratory infections, as well as pneumonia and other health issues.

Benefit

Details

Prevents Flu Infection

It reduces the chance of getting the seasonal flu.

Less Severe Symptoms

If you get sick, the vaccine can cause symptoms to become less 

Protects Vulnerable People

It helps protect children, senior citizens, as well as those who have a weak immune system.

Reduces Hospitalizations

Lowers the risk of problems and hospital admissions.

Supports Workplace Productivity

Reduced sick days as well as fewer interruptions to daily routine.

Community Protection

Reduces the spread of flu in the local community.

When Is Flu Season In Dubai?

Although the flu can be present during the entire year, it typically increases in the colder seasons.

Period

Flu Activity

September

Seasonal flu outbreak is beginning

October – December

The peak season for flu

January – March

Continued circulation

April – August

Activity levels are lower

Health professionals advise getting the vaccine for flu before the flu season starts, usually between the months of September and November, providing enough time for your immunity to build. It is typical for immunity to develop within 2 weeks following the vaccination.

Who Should Get A Flu Vaccine?

The influenza vaccine is suggested for all those who are six months or older. It is, however, particularly crucial for those at a higher chance of developing complications. This includes:

Young Children

Children who are younger than five years of age are at greater risk of serious influenza related illnesses and their complications.

Seniors

Senior citizens aged 65 or older tend to be more susceptible to grave flu related complications.

Individuals with certain conditions, such as:

  • Diabetes
  • Heart disease
  • Asthma
  • Chronic lung disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver Disease

All adults should be given an annual flu shot.

Types Of Flu Vaccine Available At Medilife Polyclinic

Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine- Recommended

The most frequently recommended vaccination in Dubai is the quadrivalent (four strain) influenza vaccine that is protected from two strains of influenza A as well as 2 influenza B viruses.

Nasal Spray Flu Vaccine 

An alternative that is needle-free for healthy people aged 2 to 49. The spray is a live, attenuated (weakened) version of flu viruses and boosts the immune system directly through the nasal cavity. The body’s initial defense against the flu. This spray is not appropriate for women who are pregnant, people who have weak immune systems, or those who are over 49.

How Does The Flu Vaccine Work

If you receive the vaccine for influenza, your immune system is triggered through the production of antibodies, which are proteins that recognize and combat specific strains of influenza. They reach levels of protection about two to three weeks following vaccination. The protection usually lasts between 6 and 7 months and covers the flu season.

As influenza viruses evolve and new strains appear every year, the WHO issues annual flu vaccines that are updated. This is the reason why every year’s vaccination is vital.

Contact us today to schedule your flu vaccination appointment and stay protected throughout the flu season.

FAQ

1. Are children able to receive the flu vaccination?

Yes. It is recommended for all children ranging from 6 months. For children younger than 9, getting the vaccine for the first time could require two doses, given four weeks apart.

It will take 2 to three weeks for the body to get full protection following the vaccination.

Yes. It is suggested to get a vaccination every year due to the fact that the flu virus changes each year and the vaccine formulas are regularly updated to correspond with the viruses expected to be prevalent during the season.

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