Influenza cases are on the rise. In the news were the recent passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and Chinese actor Liang You Cheng as well as, most recently, a 3-year-old Malaysian girl due to worsening cold-related complications. Their passing serves as a stark reminder of the potentially severe consequences of influenza.
WORDS LIM TECK CHOON
 FEATURED EXPERTDR MEGAT RAZEEEM ABDUL RAZAK Consultant Physician, Respiratory Physician, and Interventional Pulmonologist Sunway Medical Centre |
According to Dr Megat Razeem Abdul Razak, influenza is a far more serious concern than the common cold.
Influenza hits harder, leading to high fever, sore throat, body aches, and extreme fatigue.
He adds that for most people, it’s unpleasant but manageable. However, there is a high risk among the following groups for complications to develop:
- The elderly
- Pregnant women
- Young children
- Those with chronic conditions like asthma or heart disease
Dr Megat shares that these complications include pneumonia and respiratory failure, which can be life-threatening
YOU MAY HAVE THE FLU IF YOU EXPERIENCE:
- Fever lasting more than 3 days
- Dehydration
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
EARLY TREATMENT IS ESSENTIAL
Influenza is treated using antiviral medications
These medications work best within 48 hours of developing symptoms.
“After 5 to 7 days, complications like bacterial pneumonia can set in,” Dr Megat says.
WHY CHILDREN ARE MOST AT RISK
 FEATURED EXPERTDR NOOR ZEHAN ABDUL RAHIM Consultant Paediatrician and Paediatric Respiratory Specialist Sunway Medical Centre |
Influenza can strike anyone, but young children, especially those under 5, are among the most vulnerable.
- Their immune systems are still developing, making them more prone to severe symptoms compared to older family members.
- “Influenza can progress rapidly in children, which is why early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications that may impact their future lung function,”Dr Noor Zehan tells us.
Severe flu cases in children can lead to:
- Pneumonia
- Dehydration
- In rare cases, infections affecting the brain or heart such as encephalitis or myocarditis
“If symptoms last beyond 48 hours or fever doesn’t subside with medications, parents should seek medical attention immediately,” she advises.
The Risk of Developing Asthma
“Repeated inflammation from the flu can increase a child’s risk of developing asthma in the future,” Dr Noor Zehan says.
- Children typically experience up to 6 upper respiratory tract infections per year, but frequent, severe infections may indicate a higher risk.
- Regular flu vaccinations and proper asthma management are essential in reducing this risk.
WHY THE FLU VACCINE IS IMPORTANT
“The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for children as young as s6 months old,” affirms Dr Noor Zehan.
- It significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.
- The flu vaccine contains inactivated or weakened virus strains, so one may experience mild symptoms after receiving the vaccination.
- Dr Noor Zehan says that this is normal. “Mild symptoms after receiving the flu vaccine are part of the body’s natural immune response,” she assures us.
EXTRA PROTECTIVE MEASURES TO TAKE
Frequent Travelers, Especially to Winter Destinations
- Get annual flu vaccination.
- Tell your doctors about your travel plans, as flu strains vary by region.
- Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding crowded places whenever possible.
- Wearing masks, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, and carrying hand sanitizers can further reduce infection risk.
Children in School and Home
Schools should:
- Encourage regular handwashing.
- Ensure good ventilation.
- Provide nutritious food.
- Arrange outdoor activities to strengthen children’s immune systems.
- Teach children to cover their mouths when sneezing and to wash hands frequently.
