Schools and pediatricians in the UAE are urging parents to keep children at home if they develop fever or symptoms of influenza and other respiratory infections, following reports of illness among students after the start of the school year.
Parents have been advised not to send children to school if they have symptoms including fever, cough, sore throat, a runny nose, body aches or unusual tiredness. Some children may also experience vomiting or diarrhea.
Circulars issued by schools advise that children should remain at home until they have been free from fever for at least 24 hours without the use of fever-reducing medicines such as paracetamol or ibuprofen.
The guidance is intended to reduce the risk of infections spreading among students and staff, particularly during the period when children return to classrooms and come into close contact with one another.
Dr. Basim Shamsuddin, a pediatric specialist at Mubadala Health Dubai, said respiratory infections commonly increase around the start of the school year. He noted that influenza A is currently among the commonly reported infections.
Early medical assessment can be important in some cases, as antiviral treatment may be considered for certain children depending on their symptoms and medical condition.
Doctors have also urged parents to pay particular attention to children with breathing difficulties or underlying respiratory conditions such as asthma.
Dr. Sameh Abdel Azim Mohammed, chief pediatrician at NMC Royal Hospital Abu Dhabi, said children may continue to spread respiratory viruses even after some symptoms begin to improve.
Parents are therefore being encouraged to monitor their children’s symptoms, allow them adequate rest and follow school health guidelines before sending them back to the classroom.
If a child develops severe breathing difficulty, persistent symptoms or other concerning signs, parents should seek medical attention promptly.
