PETALING JAYA: With Covid-19 at the forefront of everyone’s mind since 2020, another virus has been present in its shadow – the influenza.

Health experts said influenza – not to be confused with the common cold – was not something to be swept under the rug, given the severe drawbacks that could arise from contracting the virus.

They say the best form of protection against influenza was getting the yearly vaccine, as the virus could mutate over time.

Immunise4Life programme technical committee chairman Prof Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail said many were unaware of the complications that could arise from influenza.

“The influenza is a recurring infection that can cause severe disease especially in the elderly and the very young. Those with comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension or heart disease are also at risk,” he said.

He explained how influenza would affect blood glucose control in diabetic individuals, which could lead to either hyperglycaemic or hypoglycaemic comas.

“Those with underlying heart disease also have a higher risk of getting a heart attack. The elderly also have weakened lungs that predisposes them to pneumonia and bacterial infection by pneumococcus,” he said.

On vaccination, Prof Zulkifli said individuals could receive both the Covid-19 and influenza jabs at the same time.

“Most facilities will, however, separate them into different days with at least a two-week interval between them.

“Influenza jabs are available at all private healthcare facilities but may require some prior arrangements in order to get them,” he said, adding that the cost ranged between RM60 and RM150 depending on the facility and the brand.

Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy president Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi also noted that influenza was not something to be taken lightly.

He said the relaxation of mask mandates indoors could also see a resurgence in the number of flu cases nationwide.

“Influenza has always been around but seeing how everything was locked down due to Covid-19, there were virtually no cases over the past two years.

“When things started to reopen, an increase in influenza cases was observed, with outbreaks also reported,” he said.

Prof Zamberi, who is also a consultant clinical microbiologist at Universiti Putra Malaysia, also reiterated that it was safe to receive both the Covid-19 vaccine and flu jabs at the same time.

“The only condition would be that the jabs are given on different sites of the arm.

“A two-week interval between each jab is also possible, but this is mainly so that medical professionals can identify which jab causes the recipient to experience side effects (if any),” he said.

Universiti Malaya Medical Centre consultant geriatrician Prof Dr Tan Maw Pin said it was important for those aged 65 years and above to get their flu jabs, in view of the complications that could arise.

“The flu can be a deadly catalyst for the elderly, as the effects of the infection can last for three to six months, or even more.

“During this time frame, the elderly are at a higher risk of getting other infections and also experiencing a loss of appetite.

“Those with comorbidities such as heart complications, among others, also have a higher risk of getting heart attacks,” said Prof Tan.

She also warned of a potential flu outbreak at year-end.

“Now that mask mandates have been relaxed, there is a higher chance for the flu to spread, with the possibility of Malaysia facing the full brunt of this in December.

“If the elderly do not get their jabs soonest, there is the grim possibility of the flu outbreak taxing our healthcare system the same way the Covid-19 Delta wave did,” she said.

However, Prof Tan emphasised that getting the flu jab did not mean one would be completely immune to catching the virus.

“Instead, those vaccinated will experience less severe complications,” she said.

Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia’s health economy and public health specialist Dr Sharifa Ezat Wan Puteh said it was best to get flu jabs annually as it offered effective protection against constantly mutating virus.

“The influenza virus has been well studied and also shown to mutate.

“Hence, getting the jab yearly is the best form of protection as the vaccine one received a year ago may not be able to effectively provide immunity against the influenza a year later,” she said.

She, however, noted that the cost of flu jabs might be a deterrent especially for those from the lower income brackets.

“The jab can cost up to RM150, depending on where you get them, and this is just for one person.

“When you tabulate the cost for all members of a family, the amount can be hard to fork out especially for groups with an already low disposable income.

In George Town, Dr Kumitaa Theva Das, a virologist from USM, said continuous mask wearing is extremely helpful in curbing influenza.

“This is because influenza is transmitted through droplets, which spreads easily and quickly,” she said.

“If infected, it can take about a week to one-and-a-half weeks to recover,” she said, highlighting that the flu vaccine is recommended to be taken annually for two reasons.

“The first is that the body’s immune response to influenza decreases over time and the vaccine ensures continuous protection.

“The second reason is that just like Covid-19, the influenza virus is constantly changing, so being up-to-date on influenza vaccines enables maximum protection.”

Her counterpart, Assoc Prof Dr Venugopal Balakrishan, said it was very easy to get a flu shot at clinics.

“The price may vary from clinic to clinic or hospital but usually it is less than RM100,” he said, while lamenting that many people are still ignorant and refused to take the flu jab, despite its benefits.

- Source from thestar.com.my