Shocking Prevalence of Influenza-Like Illness Among UAE University Students

A groundbreaking study published in BMC Infectious Diseases has exposed a staggering reality on UAE university campuses: 82.6% of students reported experiencing influenza-like illness (ILI)—symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches—in the past five years. This high burden underscores the vulnerability of young adults in higher education settings, where close quarters, shared facilities, and social interactions facilitate rapid spread of respiratory viruses like influenza A and B.

Conducted across campuses in Ajman, Sharjah, and Dubai, the research highlights how UAE's multi-ethnic student body—comprising South Asians (48.6%), Arabs (40.8%), and others (10.4%)—faces unique challenges. With a median age of 20 and 51.4% males, the 963 participants represent the diverse demographic typical of UAE universities like Gulf Medical University, where the authors are affiliated.

Methodology: A Comprehensive Cross-Sectional Survey

The study employed a structured, questionnaire-based approach, targeting students aged 18 and older. Researchers calculated a minimum sample of 900 based on prior UAE data showing 54% vaccination rates, accounting for a 10% non-response. Convenience sampling ensured representation across ethnic groups without quotas.

Questions delved into sociodemographics, ILI history (severity, duration), healthcare-seeking, preventive practices (handwashing, mask use), vaccination status (past year, regular boosters), and perceptions (knowledge of transmission, misconceptions). Statistical analysis used chi-square tests, binary, and multivariable logistic regression via SPSS, identifying independent predictors like adjusted odds ratios (AOR).

Ethnic and Gender Disparities in ILI Burden

ILI prevalence varied markedly: Arabs at 86.0%, 'Others' at 89.1%, and South Asians at 78.2% (p=0.002). Males reported higher rates (90.9%) than females (73.7%, p<0.001), possibly due to behavioral differences or reporting biases.

These disparities reflect UAE universities' cosmopolitan nature, where cultural norms, living arrangements (88.3% with family), and residency duration (80.4% >5 years in UAE) interplay. High-income students (65.8%) dominated, yet economic status did not independently predict outcomes post-adjustment.

• Arabs: Highest ILI at 86%, potentially linked to family cohabitation risks.
• South Asians: Lower at 78.2%, perhaps due to prior exposure immunity.
• Males: 90.9% prevalence, aligning with global trends of riskier social behaviors.

Dangerous Habit: Nearly Half Attend Classes While Sick

Alarmingly, 47.6% continued university attendance despite symptoms, with 'Others' (67.3%) and males (51.3%) highest. This perpetuates transmission in lecture halls and dorms, exacerbating campus outbreaks.

Preventive behaviors showed strengths: 92.2% covered coughs/sneezes with arms, 90.3% washed hands post-contact. Yet, gaps persist, especially amid recent UAE flu surges in January 2026, where hospitals reported peak cases.

Vaccination Uptake: 59.2% Last Year, But Misconceptions Linger

Influenza vaccination coverage stood at 59.2% for the preceding year, with 53.3% receiving regular annual boosters. Willingness soared to 88.2% if free, dropping to 41.2% otherwise—highlighting cost as a barrier despite 88.5% having insurance.

Knowledge was robust: 95% recognized influenza as viral, 88% knew peak seasons (winter), 90.7% understood droplet/hand transmission. However, 40.5% harbored the myth that vaccines reduce natural immunity, fueling hesitancy.Full BMC study details

Key Predictors of Vaccination and Healthcare-Seeking

Insurance and healthcare engagement strongly drive uptake, independent of ethnicity/gender post-adjustment. Beliefs in protection amplify odds dramatically.

UAE's National Response: Campaigns and University Initiatives

The UAE Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) runs annual awareness drives, adding seasonal flu shots to the national program for kids 6 months+, school students, and high-risk groups. Abu Dhabi Public Health Centre's 2025-2026 campaign vaccinated over 350,000 by January, a record. Universities like Ajman host on-campus drives.Ajman University flu campaign

Yet, student-specific data was scarce until this BMC study, urging tailored campus efforts.

Implications for UAE Higher Education Institutions

With UAE universities like UAEU, Khalifa, Zayed, and Gulf Medical enrolling thousands, ILI burdens disrupt academics, increase absenteeism, and strain health services. Multi-ethnic campuses amplify risks, mirroring global trends but with local twists like expatriate densities.

Recent 2026 flu peaks coincide with back-to-school, worsening transmission. Institutions must prioritize health to safeguard learning.

Bridging Gaps: Actionable Recommendations

• Offer free on-campus vaccinations annually, leveraging 88.2% willingness.
• Launch clinician-led education debunking myths (e.g., natural immunity fears).
• Promote no-attendance policies during symptoms, with makeup classes.
• Target high-risk groups: males, Arabs/Others via culturally sensitive campaigns.
• Integrate insurance reminders and mobile clinics.

Partner with MoHAP for subsidized boosters. Explore health research roles for students in public health.

Photo by Trnava University on Unsplash

Future Outlook: Towards Flu-Resilient Campuses

As UAE advances in higher ed (e.g., NYU Abu Dhabi, Sorbonne), prioritizing flu prevention aligns with Vision 2031 health goals. Monitoring post-vaccination trends, addressing hesitancy via data, and fostering peer advocacy could push uptake beyond 59%.

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