KUALA LUMPUR – While the world is eager to get the Covid-19 jab, a senior microbiologist is urging Malaysians to get vaccinated against influenza, too.
Currently, only 2% of individuals have been vaccinated against the flu in the country.
Universiti Putra Malaysia academician Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi told The Vibes: “Many households have at least one high-risk individual – an adult with chronic conditions, such as diabetes, hypertension or kidney disease.”
This means that many Malaysians are not protected against influenza, he added, and have the potential to infect others, such as working adults who are exposed to the flu and later return home to infect their elderly parents, spouses or children.
“A person who contracts both the flu and Covid-19 at the same time may face a serious ‘co-infection’, which will immensely impact disease prognosis.”
He said such serious co-infections have been recorded by several studies worldwide.
Public Health England – which was replaced by the United Kingdom Health Security Agency last month – had in September last year stated that catching the flu and Covid-19 at the same time doubles the risk of death.
It said a study on hospital patients who contracted such co-infections from January to April last year had a 43% mortality rate, much higher than those infected with only the coronavirus at 23%.
Dr Zamberi, who is also Malaysian Influenza Working Group (MIWG) chairman, says complying with Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) and public lockdown rules, as well as maintaining good personal hygiene, have resulted in a reduction of influenza incidences worldwide.
“This is also probably due to fewer interactions between humans.
“However, it is still vital to be vaccinated for the flu as maintaining a high level of ‘immune people’ from influenza will lower such cases when restrictions are relaxed.”
Not just for children
“Many people think that vaccines are only for children, but this is a misconception.
“The truth is, the flu vaccine benefits people of all ages by protecting them against the many strains that circulate annually.
“Individuals 6 months old and above can be vaccinated against influenza.”
Dr Zamberi said the World Health Organisation has identified pregnant women, children below the age of 5, those aged 65 and above, and those with chronic conditions as high-risk groups when it comes to influenza.
According to the United States Disease Control and Prevention Centres, most flu fatalities occur among senior citizens aged 75 and above, and Southeast Asia is ranked third worldwide in flu mortality.
This means that elderly folk with the flu are more likely to experience complications like pneumonia, as well as hospitalisation and death.
Elderly folk and the Covid-19 pandemic
“The situation facing senior citizens is particularly relevant during this pandemic,” said Dr Zamberi.
“Covid-19 and influenza are both respiratory diseases that easily spread through infected droplets and are known to pose a higher risk among elderly folk.”
He said as it is possible to contract both at the same time, this means that senior citizens face twice the danger, so long as they remain unvaccinated.
“This is why medical organisations, such as MIWG, strongly recommend vaccination for older individuals be made a priority.
“This will help break the chain of infection, prevent serious illnesses and complications, reduce the need for hospitalisation and allow healthcare resources to be maximised.
“In this day and age, many people still doubt flu vaccines, questioning their safety and efficacy.
“However, numerous studies have shown that flu vaccines are safe and well-tolerated in most age groups.
“To date, no flu vaccine-related death has been reported in Malaysia.”
Dr Zamberi said when an individual aged 50 and above gets the flu jab annually, he or she faces a lower risk of flu-related complications, hospitalisation and death.
“The flu has a significant impact on people with chronic conditions.
“Among heart disease patients, it can trigger heart attacks due to the stress that the infection places on the heart.
“It can also cause a dangerous spike in blood sugar levels among those with diabetes, while serious infections can cause kidney disease.”
Comorbidities among Malaysians
“Millions of Malaysians suffer at least one chronic condition – approximately 3.5 million have diabetes and 6.1 million have hypertension.
“In a study involving more than 35,000 older adults with chronic conditions, the influenza vaccination reduced deaths from stroke, diabetes and heart disease by 65%, 55%, and 22%, respectively.
“People with asthma see a reduced frequency of attacks, respiratory illnesses and other influenza-related complications, while those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease see a reduced number of exacerbations, outpatient visits, hospitalisations and all-cause respiratory mortality.
“Despite all these evidence, many elderly folk still don’t see the need for the vaccination, and their adult children don’t see the urgency in protecting their parents from the flu.
“They (senior citizens) also face challenges such as a lack of mobility or transport, and being dependent on others to visit the doctor.
“This is why healthcare professionals, like myself, and others who are advocates for flu vaccination are constantly trying to spread awareness, so that more people will take the necessary steps to protect themselves.”
Medical personnel across various specialties agree that influenza immunisation for the elderly are essential.
The recently published position paper on influenza vaccination in the elderly by MIWG and the Malaysian Society of Geriatric Medicine – endorsed by 32 medical organisations and non-governmental organisations – recommends annual flu immunisation for those aged 50 and above.
Dr Zamberi said the annual shot is an act of love, as it protects family members and remains the best way to prevent influenza infections. – The Vibes, May 6, 2021
