Flu is a contagious illness that can cause sudden fever, body aches, and serious complications in vulnerable groups. The flu vaccine is a safe and effective way to protect yourself and those around you. At Reem Hospital, we provide seasonal flu shots for adults and children in Abu Dhabi, with expert care in a safe and supportive environment.

What Is Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine is an annual immunization designed to protect you from the influenza virus—a contagious respiratory illness that spreads easily through coughs, sneezes, and contaminated surfaces. 

At Reem Hospital, we offer seasonal flu shots for both adults and children. Vaccination reduces your chances of falling ill, developing complications, or passing the virus on to others—especially those more vulnerable. 

What Is Flu?

The flu (short for influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It spreads through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or touching contaminated surfaces—and it can hit quickly. 

Influenza virus is a contagious respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and primarily spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. 

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Types of Influenza Viruses

There are four main types of influenza viruses: 

  1. Influenza A 
    • Most common and severe 
    • Causes seasonal flu epidemics and pandemics 
    • Infects humans and animals (birds, pigs) 
    • Subtypes based on hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N) proteins (e.g., H1N1, H3N2) 
  2. Influenza B 
    • Only affects humans 
    • Milder than A but still causes seasonal outbreaks 
  3. Influenza C 
    • Causes mild respiratory illness 
    • Rarely causes epidemics 
  4. Influenza D
    • Affects cattle, not known to infect humans 

Flu Symptoms Can Include

  • Sudden high fever 
  • Chills and body aches 
  • Dry cough 
  • Sore throat 
  • Fatigue 
  • Runny or blocked nose 
  • Headache 
  • Weakness 
  • Vomiting or diarrhea (more common in children) 

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Vulnerable Groups: Who Is at Risk for Severe Flu Complications?

While most people recover in a few days, the flu can lead to serious complications like pneumonia, bronchitis, or even hospitalization, especially for vulnerable groups, such as: 

  • Infants and Young Children (especially under 5 years), who have weaker immune systems, are at higher risk of dehydration, high fever, seizures, and respiratory distress 
  • Older Adults (65 years and older), as aging weakens immune function. They are more prone to complications like pneumonia, heart attack, and stroke 
  • Pregnant Women (and postpartum up to 2 weeks), as pregnancy causes changes in immune, heart, and lung function. So, they are at Increased risk of hospitalization, preterm labor, or harm to the fetus 
  • People with Chronic Health Conditions, such as asthma or other lung diseases, heart diseases, diabetes, kidney or liver disorders, neurological conditions, weakened lungs or immune responses, make fighting the virus harder 
  • Immunocompromised Individuals: Includes people undergoing chemotherapy, with HIV/AIDS, or on immunosuppressive medications. They have less ability to fight infections, leading to longer illness and a higher risk of complications 
  • Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities often have multiple health conditions and close contact in shared environments, increasing spread and severity 

Why Get the Flu Vaccine?

The flu vaccine trains your immune system to recognize and fight flu viruses. It won’t give you the flu, but it will prepare your body to respond more quickly and effectively if you are exposed. 

Getting vaccinated can: 

  • Reduce your risk of getting the flu by up to 60% 
  • Decrease the severity of symptoms if you do get sick 
  • Help protect elderly family members, children, and those with chronic health conditions 
  • Reduce missed school and workdays 

Did You Know?

You can be contagious before symptoms appear, and the flu spreads faster in closed environments like offices, classrooms, and public transport. 

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Who Should Get the Flu Shot?

Recommended For  Why 
Adults over 50  Higher risk of flu complications 
Children aged 6 months to 5 years  Developing an immune systems need protection 
Pregnant women  Reduces risk for both mother and baby 
People with chronic conditions  Asthma, diabetes, heart or lung disease 
Healthcare/frontline workers  Increased exposure to flu viruses 
Caregivers or those living with the elderly  Prevents transmission to high-risk individuals 

 

When Is Flu Season in the UAE?

Timeline  Details 
Starts  September 
Peaks  October – December 
Ends  March 
Best time to vaccinate  Between September and early November 

Did You Know?

Flu viruses change each year, which is why getting vaccinated annually is essential—even if you received a shot the year before. 

Flu viruses mutate rapidly. Each year, different strains circulate, and the virus changes slightly through a process called antigenic drift—small mutations in the virus’s surface proteins (hemagglutinin [HA] and neuraminidase [NA]). These proteins are what your immune system recognizes and targets after vaccination. 

Even if you were vaccinated the year before, your immune system might not fully recognize the new versions of the virus. That’s why scientists reformulate the flu vaccine annually based on the most recent and predicted strains for the upcoming season. 

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Why You Should Get Vaccinated

Benefit  How It Helps 
Reduces flu risk by up to 60%  Protects you from infection 
Decreases the severity if infected  Shortens recovery and lowers risk of complications 
Prevents missed work/school days  Keeps you active and productive 
Protects your family and community  Especially the elderly, babies, and chronically ill 
Limits hospital visits and serious illness  Reduces burden on healthcare systems 

 

How Often Should You Get the Flu Shot?

Group  Frequency 
Adults  Once a year 
Children (6 months +)  Once a year 
Pregnant women  Once per pregnancy (any trimester) 
Seniors (50+)  Once a year 
People with chronic illness  Once a year 

 

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Why Choose Reem Hospital?

  • Safe, sterile environment with fast-track access 
  • Bilingual care teams (Arabic & English) 
  • Pediatric and adult vaccination services 
  • On-site support for families, seniors & at-risk patients 
  • Covered by major insurance providers 
  • Welcome walk-ins, bookings available 

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Written By
Dr. Rahaf Wagdy

Medical Content Writer

Dr. Rahaf Wagdy is an Egyptian nuclear radiologist and medical content creator who merges her clinical expertise with digital creativity. With over five years of experience in medical content writing in both Arabic and English, she is dedicated to simplifying...

Medically Reviewed By
Dr. Danya Bushwereb

Consultant Family Med

Dr. Danya Bushwereb is a family medicine doctor, she brings over 15 years of comprehensive medical expertise to her role as a consultant in family medicine at Reem Hospital. Specializing in mental health concerns like anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress...

Meet our Doctors

Dr. Eman Hassan

Pediatrics
Specialist Pediatrician
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Dr. Krishnadas Menon

Pediatrics
Consultant Pediatrician - Head of PICU
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Dr. Mohammad Gharaibeh

Pediatrics
Consultant Pediatrics
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Dr. Otaf Alawabdah

Pediatrics
Specialist Pediatrician
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Dr. Rayan Damaj

Pediatrics
Consultant Pediatrician - Head of Pediatrics
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Dr. Anas Abu Hazeem

Pediatrics
Consultant Pediatric Cardiologist
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Dr. Shahid Rashid

Pediatrics
Specialist Pediatric Surgery
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Dr. Simone Battibugli

Orthopedics & Sports Medicine
Specialist Pediatric Orthopedic Surgeon
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Dr. Bushra Hussein Jaafar

Pediatrics
Consultant Pediatric
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Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need the flu vaccine every year?

  • Can I get sick from the vaccine?

  • Is the flu shot safe for children?

  • What if I’ve already had the flu this year?

  • Can I get vaccinated with a mild cold?

  • When is the best month to get the flu shot?

  • How long does the flu shot last?

4.5/5
1813+ reviews

Receptionist is accommodating.

Kristine Manalo Avatar Kristine Manalo
January 20, 2025

Good service and nice facilities🥰

anoreg gerona Avatar anoreg gerona
January 20, 2025

The best hospital

lubna labeeb Avatar lubna labeeb
January 20, 2025

I had an IFHAS check-up at Reem Hospital, and it was an excellent experience. They assigned a dedicated coordinator ( Hunais )who stayed with me all day, efficiently organizing my... see more

Haifa H Avatar Haifa H
January 20, 2025

I recently visited this hospital, very kind employees especially receptionist, nice atmosphere. I relaxed waiting area without any disturbance. Thanks reem hospital for your incredible hospitality👌

suneer Soopy Avatar suneer Soopy
January 20, 2025

مستشفى جميل و نظيف ماشاءالله، و رعايتهم بالمريض عالية

mohamed Avatar mohamed
January 20, 2025

very good hospital

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J O N A S . R A M O N E Avatar J O N A S . R A M O N E
January 20, 2025

Everything you can wish for in a hospital 🫰

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Adrian David Avatar Adrian David
January 20, 2025

Ahmad sir is good behaviour and very good personality.he is very good dealing.😊

Sadia Arsalan Avatar Sadia Arsalan
January 20, 2025

Ahmed is good person. He very accomodating.

Catherine Elanga Avatar Catherine Elanga
January 20, 2025

Amazing Moment here in the Reem Hospital the staff very accommodating ❤️❤️🥰

Rosalyn Coderes Avatar Rosalyn Coderes
January 20, 2025

Thank you Ahmad Shaban

hdeer Avatar hdeer
January 20, 2025

best hospitality, care and support. Specially, front Desk Mr. Ahmed shaban, very supportive guy! Hats off.

GHASSAN KHAROUF Avatar GHASSAN KHAROUF
January 19, 2025

Very nice hospital

Jai Chand yadav Avatar Jai Chand yadav
January 19, 2025

Good hospital

Md Alam king Md Alam king Avatar Md Alam king Md Alam king
January 19, 2025

All staffs are perfect

Charanjit Singh Avatar Charanjit Singh
January 19, 2025

All doctors are good in hospital

Karamjeet singh Rupana Avatar Karamjeet singh Rupana
January 19, 2025

Excellent services

Hemant Jaiswal Avatar Hemant Jaiswal
January 19, 2025

Good hospital

Devilal Chahar Avatar Devilal Chahar
January 16, 2025

Very nice hospital and services are incredible , especially the Department of Gastroenterology.

fayez hadi Avatar fayez hadi
January 14, 2025

Excellent services

Ganesh Majhi Avatar Ganesh Majhi
January 14, 2025

الحمد لله علي التعافي ورحلة العلاج اولا هذا من فضل ربي ثم مجهودات القائمين علي المستشفي والعياده الدكتور احمد عبدالفتاح بيومي نوفل وطبعا مينفعش انسي الممرضين ولا الاستقبال الاستاذه كريمه علي... see more

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Abdelrahman Gewaly Avatar Abdelrahman Gewaly
January 14, 2025

Very good hospital. Cardiology department is exceptionally good, very attentive staff. Special thanks to Merit, she explained everything in detail when I made an appointment over the phone and... see more

Elina Avatar Elina
January 13, 2025

Thank Iman for the good guidance during my medical check up.

Nadine Schubach Avatar Nadine Schubach
January 13, 2025

We recently had our son admitted to this hospital, and we are so grateful for the care and support we received. The staff was exceptional, but we especially want to... see more

Reynard Asis Avatar Reynard Asis
January 12, 2025

Awesome hospital with excellent doctors

Mr Das Avatar Mr Das
January 10, 2025

Good services with all staffs are perfect

Maaz Khan Avatar Maaz Khan
January 10, 2025

Best ENT doctor ever

Mohammed Alketbi Avatar Mohammed Alketbi
January 10, 2025

The front desk staff was very helpful and accommodating. Mr Merit and Ms Niran was ready to assist you with all your concerns. I am very happy to meet them.

Chrischelle Osicos Avatar Chrischelle Osicos
January 10, 2025

Good service

Noufal Zayan Avatar Noufal Zayan
January 9, 2025

Dr.Danya Bushwereb (the Consultant family medicine) is so professional and helpful,she helped me a lot during my treatment journey.Thank you Dr.Danya and Reem hospital,we hope to see more doctors like... see more

Riham Jarrar Avatar Riham Jarrar
January 9, 2025

Dra Mavarish - podologist Very professional and competent Came to call me herself at the reception Excelent work

Erika Lessmann Avatar Erika Lessmann
January 8, 2025

Eiman was amazing and very helpful during my elite medical check up and everything was prompt. Highly recommend to come in the morning as it’s less crowded and reach out... see more

Viktoriya Ten Avatar Viktoriya Ten
January 8, 2025

شكرا دكتور احمد نوفل و الطاقم كاملا لنجاح عملية ابنتي اللحمية وشفط سوائل الأذن بامتياز حيث لم تعاني من اي الآلام بعد العمليه وهي في عمر السنتين وبضعة أشهر بارك الله... see more

Marym Rihan Avatar Marym Rihan
January 8, 2025

Went for an Executive Health Check, really excellent service, all of the doctors were faultless, knowledgeable and excellent Being guided round the hospital to each appointment made the entire... see more

Ben Fryer Avatar Ben Fryer
January 8, 2025

I had a fantastic experience with the hospital's Orthopedic and Physiotherapy departments, specifically Dr. Farid Guirguis and Mr. Dilshad in PT.

Sherif Hashem Avatar Sherif Hashem
January 8, 2025

Excellent experience, professional full health check undertaken quickly and with excellent customer service.

Ian Smith Avatar Ian Smith
January 8, 2025

Signed up for the premier executive package and everything went smooth with the help from Ms Manar. Highly recommended.

G.S. Lai Avatar G.S. Lai
January 1, 2025

Ms. Meritb assisted me for my whole body checkup and was very supportive. It was good experience.

abhishek lone Avatar abhishek lone
January 1, 2025

I would like to take this opportunity to say that me and my husband are very blessed to have Dr. Salwa El-Taher as our OB-Gyne. Its our first pregnancy and... see more

Dani Hermogenes Avatar Dani Hermogenes
January 1, 2025

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