UAE doctors are urging residents to avoid self-prescribing antibiotics as flu season intensifies, warning that the growing misuse of these medicines is accelerating antimicrobial resistance (AMR).
Clinics across the country are reporting a familiar trend: patients arriving with fever, cough, and fatigue, some already having taken antibiotics on their own in hopes of speeding up recovery. Healthcare professionals say this behavior, particularly common in expatriate communities, is undermining national and global efforts to combat antibiotic resistance.
To raise awareness, the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP), in collaboration with the National Committee of AMR, recently organized awareness walks to mark World Antibiotic Awareness Week under the theme “Fight Superbugs.” The campaign aims to promote responsible antibiotic use among the public, healthcare providers, and policymakers.
Doctors warn that antibiotic-resistant bacteria pose a serious threat to public health and development. Resistance is already making common infections harder—and sometimes impossible to treat.
Dr. Igbal Mubarak Sirag, Specialist in Internal Medicine at NMC Royal Hospital in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, said overprescription remains a concern both globally and within the UAE.
“Many studies and health reports show that antibiotics are frequently prescribed when they aren’t medically needed, especially for viral illnesses like colds and most cases of flu or sore throat,” she explained.
Research indicates that in outpatient settings, up to 30 percent of antibiotic prescriptions may be inappropriate, often driven by respiratory symptoms without confirmed bacterial infection. Local surveys also reveal widespread self-medication and a persistent misconception that antibiotics are effective against viral infections. Nearly half of the respondents admitted to using antibiotics without professional medical advice.
Common misuse includes taking antibiotics for cold or flu symptoms, using them pre-emptively for sore throats or earaches, or relying on past prescriptions instead of seeking updated medical guidance.
Dr. Rania Alkhani, Pharmacy Manager at International Modern Hospital, noted that similar trends are observed across expat-heavy regions in the Gulf. She described the “travel medicine cabinet” phenomenon, where individuals keep leftover antibiotics from previous trips or bring them from their home countries, using them later to avoid clinic visits or due to time constraints.
Doctors emphasize that antibiotics do not treat viral infections and may cause side effects such as rashes, stomach disturbances, and allergic reactions. More importantly, improper use enables resistant bacteria to develop in the body, making future infections more difficult and costly to treat.
Globally, antimicrobial resistance is now considered one of the top health threats. It contributes to prolonged illness, higher hospitalization rates, increased healthcare costs, and rising mortality.
Dr. Mohamed Mustafa Elsheikh, Consultant in Internal Medicine at Burjeel Medical Center in Al Falah, said healthcare facilities are strengthening antibiotic stewardship programs through stricter prescribing guidelines, regular audits, and staff education. Rapid diagnostic tests are also helping physicians determine when antibiotics are truly necessary.
However, experts stress that public cooperation is essential.
“Antibiotics should be taken exactly as prescribed, the full course must be completed, and leftover medication should never be shared,” Dr. Elsheikh said. “Public awareness and patient education are critical in reducing misuse and protecting the effectiveness of these life-saving medicines.”
