Nearly 50% of kids who get flu in Dubai are aged under 10

ALMOST 16% OF FLU PATIENTS REQUIRED HOSPITALISATION IN 2017-19 PERIOD

Almost half of students suffering from flu in the UAE are less than 10 years old, a study conducted by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) showed.

This was the first in-depth study conducted on over 30,000 confirmed influenza cases in Dubai in the 2017-19 period. The study titled Trends, patterns and prevalence of influenza sought to establish the significance of getting vaccinated against the flu virus, especially during the pandemic.

According to WHO, influenza affects more than 10 per cent of the global population annually. It is highly contagious, with rapid transmission in crowded areas, including schools and nursing homes.

DHA officials announced the results of the study during a recent webinar.

The webinar was moderated by Dr Hamid Yahya Hussain, consultant in DHA’s Data Analysis, Research and Studies Department. Speakers included Dr Abdishakur Abdulle, Associate Director, Public Health Research Centre, New York University Abu Dhabi and Dr Heba Mamdouh, researcher in DHA’s Data Analysis, Research and Studies Department.

Identifying risk factors

Khalif Jallaf, Director of the Data Analysis, Research and Studies Department, said: “The aim of the study was to assess incidence rates from 2017 to 2019, identify risk factors associated with the infection, and zero in on the demographic distribution most vulnerable to the disease.”

Findings of the study

The study revealed that almost 49.5 per cent of the cases were among children less than 10 years of age.

The study also revealed that 84.53 per cent of the total seasonal influenza cases during 2017 to 2019 were handled at the outpatient level, yet 15.47 per cent were severe enough to be admitted and treated at an inpatient level across different health care facilities in Dubai.

The study showed that the incidence rate of seasonal influenza in Dubai between 2017 to 2019 was the highest in November

followed by December. The least was in July.

The study concluded that incidence rate of seasonal influenza in Dubai has been increasing in the last three years, yet it is not alarming.

Young and elderly at risk

The period from October to end of February showed the highest rate of seasonal influenza incidence in the emirate.

Children, especially students, and the elderly are most at risk. Jallaf urged community members especially high-risk groups to get vaccinated before the start of the flu season.

Who should get a flu shot?

Dr Hussain recommended that everyone should get a flu shot, especially medical workers, school staff and those who fall in the high-risk category.

“We recommend that people with chronic diseases such as diabetes, pregnant women, immunocompromised individuals, those with any chronic diseases, children especially before the age of 5 years, should opt for the flu vaccine specifically,” he said.

Benefits of vaccination

Most flu vaccines protect against influenza A and two influenza B viruses. “Even if the vaccine doesn’t prevent you from getting the flu, it may make the illness less serious should you get infected. In most cases, it may protect the patient for getting a severe form of the flu that can lead to inpatient hospitalisation,” Dr Hussain said.