OVER the last two years, measures dedicated to preventing the spread of Covid-19 reduced our exposure to infectious diseases as a whole. However, as pandemic-related restrictions ease globally, there has been observed a rise in many common infectious diseases such as influenza, also known as the flu.
Over the last few weeks, there have been reported confirmed cases of influenza and influenza-like illness (ILI) clusters in a boarding school in Selangor and schools in Kuala Lumpur (Gombak) and Ipoh.
The rising flu cases 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, composed of experts working together to improve the prevention, management, and control of influenza in Malaysia, are particularly concerned with the low population immunity due to lack of exposure to the flu over the last two years and the low flu vaccination uptake in the country.
This makes the population more susceptible to catching the flu and high-risk groups at risk of severe, prolonged, and even fatal disease.
The Covid-19 pandemic taught us that vaccination may help make a significant difference. While pandemic SOPs must be maintained to prevent the flu, the World Health Organisation (WHO) encourages annual flu vaccinations.
Here are seven reasons to get the flu shot for you and your family:
The 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 2 metres away. Influenza 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.
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.
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 comprise of young children, pregnant women and up to two 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 flu infection or co-infection of flu virus and bacteria. Flu can also lead to sepsis which is a life-threatening response to infection that can rapidly progress to organ failure and death.
In addition to this, damage to the cells in the lungs caused by influenza virus and respiratory insufficiency results in acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS would require invasive ventilation (breathing support) which in itself carries a risk of increased mortality.
Flu, like Covid-19, hits older persons the hardest
Older persons especially those with underlying chronic diseases are at a 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 (CDC), up to 85% 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 the flu vaccination reduces the risk of more serious flu outcomes that can result in hospitalisation or even death in older persons. Flu vaccination also protects the independence of the aged. According to WHO, the flu shot, and Covid-19 vaccination can be given together during the same visit.
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%. Besides this, there is a 45% reduced risk of adverse cardiovascular outcomes in patients with a recent history of acute coronary syndrome. An 18% reduced risk of death was reported in patients with heart failure.
Flu can be dangerous for diabetics
If you have diabetes (type 1, type 2, or gestational), the 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 six times more likely to be hospitalised with flu complications. The annual flu shot reduces the risk of heart failure by 22%, stroke by 30%, heart attack by 19% and pneumonia by 15% in diabetics. The flu shot is one of the important ways to manage your diabetes well.
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.
The 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 six months after birth until the baby is old enough for their first flu shot at six months onwards.
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With the recent rise of flu cases and the expectant new wave of Covid-19 in the coming months, flu prevention is crucial, or we may face a dual risk from two potentially life-threatening infectious diseases as currently seen in Australia. They are battling their first serious influenza outbreak since the start of the pandemic. – The Vibes, July 5, 2022
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