Influenza Season in Saudi Arabia
The influenza season in Saudi Arabia typically occurs from October through May, with peak activity usually occurring between January and March, though influenza can circulate year-round in tropical regions like Saudi Arabia. 1
Seasonal Patterns and Duration
- Influenza viruses typically begin circulating in Saudi Arabia in early fall (October) and can continue through late spring (May), with one or more disease peaks during this period 1
- Peak influenza activity in Saudi Arabia, as in other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, typically occurs from January through March 1
- The 2022-2023 influenza season in Saudi Arabia showed early circulation beginning in October, similar to patterns observed in the United States 1, 2
- Influenza can occur throughout the year in tropical regions, making Saudi Arabia susceptible to year-round cases, particularly among international travelers 1
Influenza Burden in Saudi Arabia
- Recent data from Saudi Arabia shows significant seasonal variation in influenza burden, with the highest rates observed in the 2017-2018 season compared to subsequent seasons 2
- National estimates from Saudi Arabia suggest substantial annual influenza burden, with influenza-associated hospitalizations totaling 17,678 in 2017-2018,7,683 in 2018-2019, and 13,982 in 2022-2023 2
- The highest influenza burden in Saudi Arabia is observed among the elderly (≥65 years) and young children (0-4 years), with hospitalization rates of 269 and 118 per 100,000 population, respectively 2
Impact of COVID-19 on Influenza Season
- The COVID-19 pandemic significantly altered the typical influenza season pattern in Saudi Arabia, with a marked reduction in influenza cases during 2020 and 2021 3
- The yearly number of influenza cases in pre-COVID-19 Saudi Arabia was 1,123 (2.03%), 1,075 (1.63%), and 1,883 (2.20%) cases in 2017,2018, and 2019, respectively, compared to only 417 (0.63%) and 740 (1.27%) in 2020 and 2021 3
- There was no clear peak of influenza activity during November and December of 2020 and 2021 in Saudi Arabia, unlike the typical seasonal pattern observed in previous years 3
Vaccination Timing Recommendations
- Due to the unpredictable onset and duration of the influenza season in Saudi Arabia, vaccination should ideally be completed by the end of October to ensure optimal protection 1
- Vaccination efforts should continue throughout the entire influenza season (October through May), even after influenza activity has been documented in the community 1
- For individuals traveling to Saudi Arabia during non-peak influenza months, vaccination is still recommended at least 2 weeks before departure, as influenza can circulate year-round in tropical regions 1
Vaccination Coverage and Awareness
- Despite recommendations, influenza vaccination coverage in Saudi Arabia remains low, with only 12.65% of the general population reporting regular vaccination 4
- Healthcare workers in Saudi Arabia have shown improved vaccination rates in recent years, with approximately 67.6% reported to be vaccinated in the 2016 season 5
- Misconceptions about influenza vaccination remain prevalent in Saudi Arabia, with many believing the vaccine is not effective in disease prevention (51%) 6