UAE looks at a comfortable place in managing the coronavirus - just 68 new Covid-19 cases diagnosed on Monday and a steady decline over the past few months.

But scientists warn against letting guard down too soon - this winter could see some worst cases of the flu in years.

Covid-19 and the flu are different diseases, coronavirus being far more lethal. A specialised test is often required to distinguish between them. The WHO officially recognises 13 Covid-19 symptoms, with many overlapping with flu symptoms. Moreover, some Covid-19 infected people are asymptomatic but carrier of the infection. PCR tests are very accurate at detecting Covid-19 and that is why healthcare professionals like Dr Fernanda Bonilla of Abu Dhabi’s Cleveland Clinic, encourage people to take PCR test regularly.

This year’s flu situation was quite predictable. Lockdowns, social distancing, deep sanitisation and reduced person-to-person contact for over a year has weakened immune systems of people with zero exposure to germs. Also last year there was very little exposure to the flu. Just 0.2 per cent of samples tested in the US were positive, as compared to between 26 per cent and 30 per cent during the three previous years. This must remind us to stay vigilant this flu season.

Healthcare professionals in the UAE are encouraging people to get the flu vaccine. In Abu Dhabi, flu vaccine is free for people over 50 and under 18, pregnant women and people with disabilities and chronic diseases.

It is crucial that everyone gets vaccinated against flu. While Covid-19 remains a more lethal virus, mutating flu strains are seen to impact a wider population, including children. Flu can very well overrun healthcare systems, even in developed countries. In 2017, one of the worst global influenza outbreaks resulted in more than 50,000 deaths in the US alone.

On the brighter side, pandemic has given people a strong experience on how to manage diseases. Furthermore an established infrastructure, particularly regarding vaccines is a big help too. Importantly, people now are more aware on how to protect themselves and limit the spread of disease. Wearing masks, washing hands and practicing social distancing must continue.

It is still unknown what lays ahead in the flu season, but whatever it is, lessons learnt from Covid-19 pandemic can help us face the next threat.