The recent deaths of two celebrities from influenza highlight its deadly potential. This article explores expert insights on flu risks, the importance of vaccination, and who should get the flu shot.
WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
 FEATURED EXPERTPROFESSOR DR JAMES KOH KWEE CHOY Professor of Internal Medicine and Infectious Diseases IMU University |
The recent deaths of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and Chinese actor Liang Youcheng have once again placed influenza in the spotlight.
Many were shocked. How could the flu claim the lives of seemingly healthy individuals?
According to infectious disease expert Professor James Koh Kwee Choy, the answer is simple yet sobering:
Influenza is far deadlier than most people realize.
THE FLU IS MORE THAN JUST A SEASONAL NUISCANCE
“Many people still think of influenza as a mild illness, something they can recover from in a few days. Yet, high-profile cases like these remind us that flu can kill,” says Professor Koh.
- Influenza is characterized by a sudden onset of high fever, body aches, sore throat, and shortness of breath—all within 24 to 48 hours.
- Most can recover, but for some, complications like pneumonia set in quickly.
- Children are at risk. “They can deteriorate very quickly; becoming lethargic, dehydrated, or experiencing noisy breathing, which signals low oxygen levels,” Professor Koh explains.
- Pregnant women, the elderly, and those with chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease also face an increased risk of severe complications.
| See a doctor immediately if you or a loved one: • Have a fever that lasts more than 3 days • Experience symptoms like restlessness, confusion, or vomiting |
THE BEST SHOT AT SAFETY IS THE FLU SHOT
- The best way to protect yourself from influenza is through vaccination.
- First introduced in 1945, the flu vaccine remains the most effective defense against severe illness.
“Unfortunately, awareness is still low,” says Professor Koh.
- Many Malaysians don’t realize how dangerous influenza can be, and some wait until an outbreak to get vaccinated.
- However, it takes 2 weeks for immunity to develop, so in the meantime, they are still vulnerable.
Flu Vaccine Is Still Necessary Even If You Are Not in a High-Risk Group
Professor Koh urges everyone aged 6 months and older to get vaccinated every year.
“Think of it like self-defense training. Both a trained and an untrained person face the same risk of being attacked, but the one with training has a better chance of fighting back. It’s the same with the flu—vaccination gives your immune system the tools it needs to fight off the virus,” he says.
While everyone can benefit from the flu shot, certain groups should make it a priority:
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DON’T WAIT UNTIL IT’S TOO LATE!
Influenza doesn’t discriminate, and waiting until an outbreak occurs could be a fatal mistake.
“Everyone is at risk, and the flu doesn’t pick and choose,” Professor Koh stresses.
The best time to get vaccinated is right now, so don’t let the flu catch you and your loved ones off guard!
| This article is part of our series on infectious diseases. |
