UAE: Strict Covid protocols are silently fighting other viruses SM Ayaz Zakir/Dubai KT file photo Researchers have noted a sudden drop in flu cases Strict adherence to Covid-19 protocols have had one positive spinoff - a significant decline in influenza cases, healthcare experts in the UAE say. Since the Covid-19 pandemic last year, healthcare specialists and researchers have noted a sudden drop in flu cases, even as SARS COV 2 has been dominating all the headlines. Dr Shakeel Ahmed Shah , General Practitioner at Aster Clinics, Al Qusais said, “Since the Covid-19 pandemic, we have observed a significant drop in flu cases in our facility. Before the pandemic, around 10 per cent of my patients would be flu cases, but it has dropped to 2 per cent now. The UK and USA are also reporting a similar trend.”