You start the day with a scratchy throat and a long day ahead. It isn’t long before you’re aching all over and there’s nothing you can do but suffer and hope you don’t get any worse.
This is flu season in Dubai. According to UAE doctors speaking to Gulf News, flu activity starts increasing from October, with December to February being the busiest months, and January often the busiest of all.
The good news? You probably don’t need to go anywhere for treatment of an uncomplicated case of the flu. A doctor home visit brings a DHA-licensed doctor right to your couch to figure out what’s going on and treat you there, all without exposing you to the germ factory that is the waiting room.
We’ll show you how to tell flu from a cold, who should call for a doctor visit, which red flags need emergency care, and what to expect from a doctor home visit.
Flu season at a glance
| Question | Quick answer |
|---|---|
| When is flu season in the UAE? | September to March. The peak months are December to February. |
| Who is most at risk? | Pregnant women, children under five, over-65s and those with long-term conditions. |
| When do flu antivirals work best? | They need to be taken as soon as possible, preferably within the first two days of symptoms appearing. |
| When is it an emergency? | Call 998 if there are signs of breathing difficulties, chest pain, confusion or seizures. |
Why Flu Spreads So Fast in Dubai’s Winter
During the winter, people spend more time indoors, in classrooms and on flights. The World Health Organization says flu can spread quickly through a classroom, because it passes easily through coughs and sneezes and on contaminated hands.
You can also infect others even before you start showing symptoms. According to the CDC, it’s possible to infect others a day before your symptoms start, and for up to five to seven days after, with the first three days being the most infectious.
In peak season, a busy waiting room can mean sitting next to people at their most contagious. It’s no wonder the UAE’s 2026–2027 flu campaign, run by the Ministry of Health and Prevention in conjunction with the DHA, is themed “Protect Yourself… Protect Your Community.”
Flu or Just a Cold? How to Tell the Difference
Flu can be distinguished from the common cold based on the following guidelines from the CDC:
| Symptom | Common cold | Flu |
|---|---|---|
| How it starts | Gradually | Suddenly |
| Fever | Rare | Common, often for 3 to 4 days |
| Body aches | Mild | Common, often severe |
| Tiredness and weakness | Sometimes | Usual |
| Headache | Rare | Common |
| Sneezing or stuffy nose | Common | Sometimes |
Not all people with the flu get a fever, and children with flu may also have vomiting and diarrhoea. Flu, COVID-19 and other viruses can look alike, so let a doctor diagnose it.
Why a Doctor Home Visit Makes Sense During Flu Season
When you feel this unwell, traffic, parking and a long queue are the last things you need. A doctor home visit means:
- You don’t have to travel to the doctor’s office.
- Less exposure to other people, and less chance of picking up other illnesses in the process.
- You get timely treatment. Flu antiviral medicines work best when started within two days of symptoms, and can shorten the illness by about a day.
- It’s ideal when you have a sick child or an elderly relative at home who can’t travel.
When Should Doctor at Home Visits Be Scheduled?
It usually takes healthy adults about a week to recover from the flu. But some people are at high risk of complications, according to the DHA and the WHO. They include:
- Pregnant women
- Children under 5 years of age
- Adults 65 years and above
- People with asthma, chronic lung disease, diabetes or heart disease, as well as those with a weakened immune system
For high-risk patients, the CDC recommends that antiviral drugs be started as soon as flu is suspected. As a result, a healthcare professional should be called at the onset of symptoms.
Red Flags: When to Skip the Home Visit and Call 998
A home visit is for flu that’s uncomfortable, not dangerous. If you notice any of these emergency warning signs, call 998 or go to the nearest emergency department.
Adults:
- Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest or abdominal pain or pressure that is constant or worsening
- Confusion or extreme lethargy
- Seizures
- Not passing urine
- Unusual or extreme weakness, unsteadiness or severe muscle pain
- Fever or cough that improves, only to return or worsen
Children:
- Fast breathing or difficulty breathing, or ribs pulling in with each breath
- Bluish colour of the lips or face
- Chest pain or seizures
- No urination for 8 hours
- Becoming lethargic or unresponsive
- Fever above 40°C that isn’t relieved with fever-reducing medication
- Any fever in a baby under 12 weeks
A serious, chronic condition, such as asthma or diabetes, becoming worse is also a warning sign that needs medical care right away, at any age. For more examples, refer to our article about when you should contact the doctor on call.
What Happens During a Doctor Home Visit for the Flu?
- Call and explain the symptoms. The team will want to know if the patient has a chronic condition. This is to ensure a home visit is warranted.
- A DHA-licensed doctor will perform an assessment. Questions will be asked regarding symptoms and chronic conditions, along with a general physical exam to assess things like temperature, heart rate and breathing.
- Clear, actionable plans will be provided. This may include rest, fluids and relief of symptoms. If the doctor decides it’s suitable, a prescription for antivirals may also be provided.
- Further action if needed. A doctor can arrange a blood test at home, provide IV rehydration if you can’t keep fluids down, or refer you to the hospital.
- You know what to look for. Doctors explain the signs you should look out for and when to contact them.
Don’t expect antibiotics “just in case”. As the NHS states, antibiotics don’t work on viruses like the flu.
Doctor Call or Home Visit: Which Do You Need?
A doctor call is a good option for advice on mild symptoms, but a doctor can’t listen to your lungs over the phone. If you are high-risk, very ill, or caring for a high-risk individual, an in-person visit is best.
Doctor at Home in Dubai: Costs, Insurance and DHA Rules
Costs. The overall cost will depend on the reason for the visit, tests and medications. Insurance cover for home visits varies, so check your policy and ask ApolloCare for a quote before you book.
Regulation. DHA’s Standards for Home Healthcare Services require every home healthcare professional to be licensed and registered with DHA, and a qualified physician must assess you face to face before care begins. In Abu Dhabi, DOH licensure is required. In Sharjah and the Northern Emirates, make sure the service is licensed in the respective emirate.
Have you had your flu shot? If not, it is not too late. Doctors say protection takes about two weeks to build, and DHA says pregnant women can be vaccinated in any trimester. Flu shots are available from AED 50 at DHA health centres.
Recovering from the Flu
According to the NHS and the WHO, these steps can help you recover at home:
- Rest and hydrate: drink enough fluids to keep your urine a pale yellow colour.
- Medicine: take paracetamol or ibuprofen to reduce fever and aches, as the label directs. Ask a pharmacist first if you’re pregnant or take other medicines.
- No aspirin for children: never give aspirin to children under 16 unless a doctor prescribes it.
- Stay home: rest at home and practise good hygiene to prevent spreading the flu.
Some schools in Dubai say children can return to school once they’ve been symptom-free for 24 hours without the use of medicine.
Flu Season Q&A
Can a doctor home visit treat flu?
Yes, most uncomplicated flu can be assessed and treated at home. Doctors may refer you to the hospital if they see signs of something more serious.
Can a dr on call prescribe flu antivirals?
Yes, a doctor may prescribe flu antivirals if they are appropriate for you. Call the doctor early, as they are most effective when started within 2 days of symptom onset.
How long is flu contagious?
You are contagious a day before symptoms start and up to 5 to 7 days after, with peak contagiousness in the first 3 days. Children and people with weakened immune systems may be contagious for longer.
Is it too late to get a flu vaccine in November?
No. The UAE’s national flu campaign runs until March 2027, and cases usually peak between December and February. It takes about 2 weeks for the flu vaccine to take effect, so book your appointment as soon as you can.
When should I go to hospital instead of booking a home visit?
If you have trouble breathing or are experiencing chest pain, confusion, a seizure, signs of dehydration or any fever in a baby under 12 weeks, go to the emergency department or call 998.
Easier and Faster Flu Care With a Doctor Home Visit
Dubai’s flu season doesn’t have to mean a feverish, long trip to a busy clinic. For most cases of flu, a doctor home visit lets you rest and get treated without the hassle of a long trip to the clinic.
ApolloCare’s DHA-licensed doctors come to you anywhere in Dubai and can arrange lab tests, fluids and other treatments as needed. Call +971 50 491 9347 to schedule a doctor home visit, or contact us online.
Stay warm, drink lots of fluids and get that flu shot!
Disclaimer: This article is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for medical advice. In an emergency, call 998.
