Back-to-school alert: UAE doctors warn of viral infections in kids returning from vacation

With schools across the UAE set to reopen on Monday, doctors are reporting a surge in seasonal viral infections among children, particularly those returning from overseas holidays.

Seasonal flu, RSV and gastro cases spike

Dr Amr El Zawahry, Consultant Paediatrician at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Dubai, said a diverse range of viruses are surfacing among students who have recently returned.

“We are currently observing a noticeable trend of students returning from vacations abroad presenting with a variety of viral infections. Those coming back from Europe and the United States often exhibit influenza-like illnesses and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), while children returning from the Indian subcontinent or Australia more frequently present with seasonal flu, viral gastroenteritis, and hand, foot and mouth disease,” Dr El Zawahry explained.

He noted that the pattern reflects regional circulation of viruses.
“Each region has its own circulating strains of viruses, so it’s natural to see a diverse mix of infections at the beginning of the school term. Interestingly, children who remained in the UAE during the summer appear to be reporting fewer cases of such infections,” Dr El Zawahry revealed.

Dr Adel Waheeb Jasim, Consultant Paediatrics at Burjeel by the Beach Clinic, Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi, linked the rise in cases to weakened immunity after the long break. “Respiratory viruses, gastrointestinal infections are usually self-limiting but can spread rapidly,” he said.

Symptoms and red flags

Doctors reassured that most viral illnesses are not serious and typically improve within days with rest, hydration, and fever control. Common symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, and diarrhoea.

Dr El Zawahry advised parents to watch for signs that distinguish a mild cold from more severe conditions.
“A regular cold usually comes with a runny or stuffy nose, mild cough, sneezing, and possibly a low-grade fever. In contrast, illnesses like Influenza A tend to appear more suddenly and bring stronger symptoms such as a high fever, chills, body aches, severe tiredness, sore throat, and sometimes digestive discomfort. Adenovirus infections can include throat pain, red or irritated eyes, and stomach upset in some cases.”

When to seek urgent care

Dr Jasim stressed the importance of seeking urgent care if children show warning signs. “Parents should seek urgent care if a child develops breathing difficulty, wheezing, or bluish lips, persistent high fever unresponsive to medication, severe vomiting or diarrhoea with dehydration, rash that looks like bruising or spreads rapidly, severe headache, stiff neck, or unusual drowsiness or seizures or altered consciousness. These ‘red flags’ indicate that the illness may not be a simple viral infection and requires immediate medical evaluation,” Dr Jasim said.

Preventive measures

Doctors recommended several lifestyle and hygiene measures to strengthen children’s immunity as the school year begins.

“Providing a nutritious, balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy proteins helps the body fight off infections more effectively. Making sure children get enough sleep, stay hydrated and have time for regular physical activity also supports their overall health. Limiting foods high in sugar and processed ingredients is beneficial as well. In addition, helping children manage stress and maintain a consistent daily routine especially when adjusting back to school can play a role in keeping their immune systems strong,” Dr El Zawahry said.

Both doctors highlighted the importance of preventive steps such as:

Hand hygiene: Frequent washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; alcohol-based sanitizers when unavailable.

Respiratory etiquette: Covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow.

Healthy routine: Adequate sleep, exercise, and balanced meals.

Minimising crowding: Good classroom ventilation and staggered pick-ups/drop-offs where possible.

Flu vaccination: Reducing the risk of severe illness, hospitalisation, and community spread.

With the school term about to start, health experts added that vigilance, early detection, and simple preventive measures are key to keeping classrooms safe from seasonal viral outbreaks.