Doctors warn UAE children may suffer nausea, vomiting after influenza A

Doctors in the United Arab Emirates have warned that children recovering from influenza A may experience nausea, vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms, alongside respiratory issues, as they recuperate.

The alert was published on Monday 19 October 2026 at 06:00.

Symptoms and recovery

Most children overcome the acute infection within five to seven days, although some need longer to restore their usual energy levels and eating habits.

After the fever subsides, a cough, fatigue, weakness and reduced appetite can persist for one to two weeks, doctors said.

Dr Nirosha Ponnuraj, a specialist paediatrician at Prime Medical Center’s Jumeirah branch in Dubai, noted, “While most children improve within 3–7 days, some may experience lingering symptoms for one to two weeks,” she said.

She also explained that youngsters may develop nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and loss of appetite, adding, “Children may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal discomfort and appetite loss. These symptoms usually improve as the infection resolves.”

Gastrointestinal disturbances such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and abdominal discomfort can appear during the illness and sometimes linger briefly afterwards, according to medical experts.

Dr Mamata Bothra, specialist paediatrics and neonatologist at International Modern Hospital Dubai, said fatigue, persistent coughing, low energy and poor appetite may continue for one to two weeks, occasionally longer.

She warned, “Influenza A can be particularly challenging for young children, and some may continue to experience symptoms even after their fever has resolved.”

She added that children with asthma, underlying medical conditions or complications might require extra time to recover, stating, “Children with asthma, underlying medical conditions or complications may require additional time to recover,” she said.

When to seek medical help

Doctors emphasised that a temporary loss of appetite during illness and early recovery is not necessarily alarming; the priority is to keep children well hydrated and gradually return to normal eating.

Dr Hassan Hababa, specialist paediatrics at Burjeel Day Surgery Centre in Al Shahama, said parents should look at the child’s overall condition rather than appetite alone, remarking, “A temporary reduction in appetite during illness and the early recovery period can happen. What is more important is that the child remains well-hydrated and gradually starts eating normally again.”

He also highlighted dehydration signs, saying, “Also, if there are signs of dehydration such as reduced urination, a dry mouth, or no tears when crying.”

Dr Bothra advised that parents should seek medical help if a child shows persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea or signs of dehydration, including reduced urination, dry mouth or unusual lethargy, noting, “Parents should seek medical attention if a child experiences persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain, bloody diarrhoea or signs of dehydration, including reduced urination, dry mouth or unusual lethargy,” added Bothra.

Medical professionals urged caregivers to consult a paediatrician when poor food intake continues, weight loss persists or the child becomes unusually weak or lethargic.

Dr Bothra also noted that digestive discomfort could be influenced by reduced intake, dehydration or certain medicines and might continue briefly after the infection.

Vaccination and prevention

Experts stressed that influenza vaccination remains the most important specific preventive measure against flu and its complications.

They explained that protection develops over approximately two weeks and that annual vaccination is required because influenza viruses continually evolve, prompting updates to the vaccine composition.

Dr Hababa urged parents to allow children ample time to rest and recover, to encourage regular fluid intake and to seek medical attention if there is difficulty breathing, significant dehydration, unusual drowsiness, or if fever or cough initially improves and then returns or worsens.

He added that younger children, especially those under five, and those with underlying medical conditions need closer monitoring, as they face a higher risk of flu‑related complications, stating, “Parents should allow children enough time to rest and recover and encourage regular fluids. Medical attention should be sought if there is difficulty breathing, significant dehydration, unusual drowsiness, or if fever or cough initially improves and then returns or worsens. Younger children, especially those under five, and children with underlying medical conditions require closer monitoring, as they are at greater risk of flu‑related complications.”

Doctors described influenza as typically arriving suddenly with fever, body aches, severe fatigue, headache, sore throat and cough, whereas common colds are generally milder.

For children who are acutely unwell, the recommendation is to stay home and limit close contact with others to reduce transmission risk.

They advise returning to normal activities only when symptoms are improving overall and the child has been fever‑free for at least 24 hours without using fever‑reducing medication, and to maintain additional precautions around others for the following five days.