UAE schools tighten illness protocols; parents urged to keep sick children home

Schools across the UAE are reminding parents to keep children home if they show symptoms of illness such as fever, cough, vomiting or diarrhoea. The guidance aligns with recommendations from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA). Schools emphasise that children learn best when they are well and that communication between parents and schools is critical. Return-to-school guidance specifies that children should be fever-free for at least 24 hours without fever-reducing medication before returning to class, and those who have experienced vomiting or diarrhoea should only return 48 hours after symptoms have subsided. Alongside illness-prevention measures, schools will continue vaccination initiatives as part of their broader approach to student health. Vaccination programmes are held six times per year, with schedules provided to families.