OVER the last two years, Covid-19 preventive measures have reduced our exposure to infectious diseases. However, as the pandemic and associated social restrictions ease globally, we are starting to see a rise in many common infectious diseases such as influenza, also known as the flu.
What seems to be concerning is the speed at which infectious diseases such as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) and flu are returning into our community ever since Malaysia entered the endemic phase.
Confirmed cases of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) clusters have been reported in various schools.
The rising flu cases in the community indicates that flu has made a comeback and has real potential to spread. Other factors that favour infection spread are importation of flu cases through international travel, easing of Covid-19 SOPs and complacency with social restrictions.
The Malaysian Influenza Working Group (comprising experts working together to improve the prevention, management, and control of influenza in Malaysia) is particularly concerned with the low population immunity due to lack of exposure to influenza over the last two years and the low flu vaccination uptake in Malaysia. This makes the population more susceptible to catching the flu and high-risk groups at risk of severe, prolonged, and even fatal disease.
Here are seven reasons why the group recommends that you and your family get the flu shot:
1. Flu is Contagious
Unlike temperate countries, influenza occurs throughout the year in Malaysia. This means you can catch the flu at any time. Influenza spreads from person to person mainly by droplets up to about 6 feet away. It can be easily transmitted in the community with rapid transmission in crowded areas such as schools and nursing homes.
The flu shot reduces flu related illness and the risk of serious complications that can result in hospitalisation or death. In addition to this, the flu shot also prevents the spread of the virus in the community.
2. Flu Testing is Not Usually Done
While we have readily available test kits for Covid-19, flu testing is not routinely done. Flu symptoms are similar to Covid-19, but it is often an underestimated illness. . It is also important to note that fever is not always present with influenza in people of any age, especially in older adults and people with weakened immune systems.
Should you have underlying comorbidities, ignoring these symptoms, and not seeking medical treatment can worsen the flu and certain underlying diseases. Give yourself one less thing to worry about in the current flu season, get the flu shot as it prevents severe disease and flu-related doctor's visits.
3. Flu Can Be Severe and Even Fatal
While most people who get the flu will recover in a few days to less than two weeks, high-risk groups may develop life-threatening complications. High-risk groups are young children, pregnant women (and up to 2 weeks after delivery), older persons, those with underlying chronic medical diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, history of stroke, chronic kidney disease, chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and those with a weakened immune system due to disease or treatment such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer.
One of the serious complications of flu that will require hospitalisation is pneumonia that results from either a flu infection or co-infection of flu virus and bacteria.
Flu can also lead to sepsis which is a life-threatening response to an infection that can rapidly progress to organ failure and death.
In addition to this, damages to cells in the lungs caused by influenza virus and respiratory insufficiency, results in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).
4. Flu, like Covid-19, Hits Older Persons the Hardest
Older persons, especially those with underlying chronic diseases, are at risk of developing severe complications from the flu. This is due to changes in immune defences with increasing age making them more susceptible to infections. According to the US Centers for
Disease Control, up to 85 per cent of flu-related deaths have been occurring among people aged 65 years and older. The immediate complication of influenza is not the only worry; the functional decline following hospitalisation for influenza can be persistent and catastrophic among older adults.
The long-term effects of flu make prevention even more important for older persons. Studies have found that flu vaccination reduces the risk of more serious flu outcomes that can result in hospitalisation or even death in older persons.
According to the World Health Organisation, the flu shot, and Covid-19 vaccination can be given together during the same visit.
5. Flu Can Cause a Heart Attack
When you catch the flu, the inflammatory response of your body's first responders from its defence system, causes unfavourable conditions in your body which may lead to the development of a heart attack. Studies have shown that flu illness is associated with an increase in heart attacks and stroke.
A 2018 study found that the risk of having a heart attack was 6 times higher within a week of a confirmed flu infection. These findings were
most pronounced for older adults and those experiencing their first heart attack. The flu shot protects your heart. It reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events by 36 per cent.
6. Flu Can Be Dangerous for Diabetics
If you have diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational), flu can be more than just a fever and respiratory symptoms. Flu can make it harder for you to control your blood sugar levels. You are at a higher risk of developing prolonged illness, hospitalisation and even death even though your diabetes is well-managed. In fact, studies have shown that diabetics are 6 times more likely to be hospitalised with flu complications.
The annual flu shot reduces the risk of heart failure by 22 per cent, stroke by 30 per cent, heart attack by 19 per cent and pneumonia by 15 per cent in diabetics.
7. Pregnancy and the Unborn Child
During pregnancy your body undergoes changes to the immune system, heart and lungs, making you more susceptible to influenza severe enough to cause hospitalisation throughout pregnancy and up to two weeks after delivery. Your unborn child is also at risk of developing complications from the flu such as neural tube defects, preterm birth and even death. Flu vaccination not only protects mum and the unborn child, but antibodies that are passed on from mum to baby in the womb will serve as protection for the first 6 months after birth until baby is old enough for their first flu shot at 6 months onwards.
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