Why more UAE residents are falling sick with non-flu viral fevers this summer

Abu Dhabi/Dubai: If you have been down with a high fever, sore throat, or a persistent cough this summer, but tested negative for flu and COVID-19, you are not alone. Doctors in the UAE have reported a noticeable rise in non-influenza viral fevers since late May, a trend they say is likely to continue into early autumn.

From school-aged children to working adults and the elderly, patients are visiting clinics and hospitals with symptoms like fever, body aches, dry cough, fatigue and even gastrointestinal issues and yet returning negative test results for influenza or coronavirus.

“There has been a clear increase in non-influenza viral fever cases, especially since late May this year. Many patients are presenting with high fevers, fatigue, and body aches, but testing negative for influenza and COVID-19,” said Dr Tomador Tageldin, Specialist in Internal Medicine at Burjeel Medical Centre, Al Shamkha, Abu Dhabi.

“This spike aligns with seasonal viral patterns observed in warmer climates and appears to be continuing through the summer months,” she explained.

Dr Unni Rajasekharan Nair, Consultant, Internal Medicine at Medcare Royal Speciality Hospital in Al Qusais, Dubai, also confirmed the pattern. “Cases have surged post the Eid travel period, with clusters reported across schools, corporate offices, and indoor summer camps.”

While anyone can fall sick, certain groups appear more vulnerable: Children in daycare or summer school, young adults (20–35 years) who are socially active or travelling, adults aged 25–50 and the elderly and those with chronic illnesses or low immunity.

Doctors have outlined a list of common symptoms that patients are reporting:

In some cases, joint pain and lingering low-grade fever.

“This season, more patients are experiencing prolonged fatigue and lingering low-grade fever even after the initial symptoms subside. A few also report joint pain that lasts for weeks, which could suggest a post-viral inflammatory response, common with certain viruses like adenovirus or enterovirus,” said Dr Tageldin.

“This year, we are seeing more post-viral fatigue and persistent dry cough with wheezing,” said Dr Nair.

While no single virus has been identified as the culprit, doctors suspect a mix of common summer viruses like enteroviruses, adenoviruses, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), human metapneumovirus and rhinoviruses.

“PCR panels and viral cultures have shown increased activity of enteroviruses and human metapneumovirus. While not new, these viruses are usually less common in this season and may be spreading more due to environmental and behavioral factors,” said Dr Tageldin.

Doctors have also noticed mixed infections where viruses are accompanied by bacterial infections, according to Dr Muhammad Yousaf Jan, Specialist - Internal Medicine, at Zulekha Hospital, Dubai. According to him, it is becoming harder to distinguish between non-flu viral fevers and illnesses like COVID-19 or RSV without lab testing.

Clinically, COVID is more likely to involve shortness of breath and chest tightness, and influenza often starts suddenly with chills and rigors (severe shivers that can cause teeth chattering and violent shaking). Non-influenza viral fevers tend to have slower onset, dry cough, and minimal lung involvement, explained Dr Nair.

If a patient’s PCR tests for COVID-19 and influenza come back negative and symptoms match certain patterns, doctors suspect a non-influenza viral infection. “Rapid antigen tests and basic blood work help rule out bacterial infections or dengue, which also presents similarly,” said Dr Tageldin.

All three doctors agree that climate change, extreme summer heat, and social habits are creating ideal conditions for viruses to spread.

Staying indoors in poorly ventilated spaces with air conditioning for long hours can facilitate the spread of respiratory viruses. This is especially true during the summer when people gather in malls, gyms, or other shared spaces to escape the heat.

“The extreme summer heat is forcing people indoors into poorly ventilated spaces, which increases the risk of viral spread. With international travel back in full swing, we’re also seeing more mixing of viral strains. On top of that, unpredictable climate patterns may be altering how long viruses survive and how easily they’re transmitted,” said Dr Nair.

“Global studies have also shown that climate change is expanding the seasonal window for many viral illnesses, especially in subtropical regions like the UAE,” Dr Tageldin added.

While many fevers can be treated at home with rest and fluids, doctors warn against ignoring the warning signs.

Seek medical help if fever persists beyond three to five days or exceeds 104°F (40°C) and or if you experience breathlessness, chest pain, confusion, or rash. Pre-existing conditions like asthma or diabetes worsening is another sign to rush to the hospital.

“If the fever is below 39°C, goes down with paracetamol, and symptoms improve in a few days, it can be managed at home. But don’t delay medical attention if symptoms escalate,” Dr Tageldin advised.

Doctors recommend a common-sense approach to stay safe through the rest of the season.

Stay hydrated and well-rested, avoid crowded indoor spaces, improve ventilation at home and work, wear a mask if symptomatic, especially indoors and wash hands frequently.

Staying home when unwell and considering timely flu vaccinations, especially for children and high-risk groups are also equally important.

According to all three experts, yes. The current wave is expected to stretch into September or early October, especially with school reopening and more travel in the coming weeks.

“A second spike could emerge in late August–September, coinciding with back-to-school schedules. If humidity remains high and indoor crowding persists, cases may stretch into early October. Surveillance and public awareness will be key in controlling the spread,” said Dr Nair.

Dr Jan added with cautious optimism, “If we get some rain in the coming days, we may see a decline in the number of viral illnesses.”