MORE Malaysians have started to plan or go for holiday trips as 2022 draws to a close.
Many are quick to book accommodation and gather travel documents ahead of time to ensure they are well prepared for their trip.
On the other hand, as more borders are reopening in other countries, more tourists are visiting Malaysia, bringing a positive impact on the tourism industry.
As such, it is important to stay protected against sickness, whether during vacations overseas or within the country, as the risk of being exposed to infectious diseases from travelling or travellers visiting Malaysia from other countries.
Every country comes with its own set of health risks especially in crowded, poorly ventilated spaces can increase one's exposure to infectious diseases carried by airborne droplets, such as influenza (flu), chicken pox and pneumococcal disease.
Besides that, according to general practitioner and influenza (flu) prevention advocate Dr Koh Kar Chai, infectious diseases like influenza (flu) can circulate freely now that masks and social distancing requirements are no longer in effect.1
This is especially true, as cases for influenza (flu) as well as influenza-like illness (ILI) are now on the rise, with clusters reported in various schools.
Another factor includes the importation of influenza (flu) cases through international travel.
"With flu outbreaks peaking during winter months in temperate climates and intermittent outbreaks year-round in tropical regions like Malaysia2, the unavoidable truth is that influenza (flu) is everywhere, and so is Covid-19, which is now reported to be on the rise once more due to a new variant3," he said.
According to a PUBMED/MEDLINE study, seasonal influenza (flu) is one of the most prevalent infectious diseases among travellers.
While influenza (flu) is often dismissed and thought to be similar to the common cold4, the reality is that it is capable of causing severe illness and hospitalisation.
"It seems easy to brush off the flu as just a minor illness, but it can cause serious complications, especially in high-risk groups like older people.
"This is because their ageing immune system is less effective in fighting off infectious diseases. Older people are more likely to have at least one comorbid condition such as diseases affecting the lungs, heart, liver and kidneys5,6,7," Dr Koh explained.
Aside from adults aged 65 years and above, other high-risk groups that are at risk of complications from influenza (flu) are pregnant women, children over six months, individuals with chronic medical conditions and healthcare workers.8,9
The World Health Organisation estimates that influenza (flu) may result in 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually due to respiratory diseases alone.
Dr Koh noted that while there is a high rate of vaccination against Covid-19, the influenza (flu) vaccination rate amongst Malaysians hovers at a low three per cent4, signifying that the population is poorly prepared against the dangers of influenza (flu).
"In light of this, it is hardly surprising that Southeast Asia is estimated to have one of the highest mortality rates from influenza (flu)10," he said.
INFLUENZA (FLU) PREVENTION
As a large majority of the elderly population remains unvaccinated, Dr Koh believes that the number of people at risk of getting influenza (flu) will only increase, and they may experience the complications that come with it.
"This is why experts around the world11 highly recommend the influenza (flu) vaccine as the most effective way to prevent influenza (flu), as the vaccines offer a significant level of protection, with a 48% reduction in risk of death among older persons12," he emphasised.
This sentiment is supported by the Ministry of Health, who has been encouraging the public to get vaccinated and take proper measures, such as maintaining social distancing, always washing hands and more.
On top of vaccination, other preventive measures are encouraged to cut off the chain of transmission when travelling.
Dr Koh said, "Similar to what was practised during the pandemic, these would include wearing a mask indoors, social distancing, practising good etiquette like covering our mouths and noses while coughing or sneezing, sanitising our hands frequently and avoiding places that are overly crowded are all good ways to keep ourselves safe from flu".13,14
All in all, influenza (flu) prevention is an act of love as it protects everyone from transmitting the disease to others, especially to more vulnerable groups.
Taking the influenza (flu) vaccine on a yearly basis will provide better protection due to the ever-changing active flu strains.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that travellers take the influenza (flu) vaccine at least two weeks before travelling, as that is the required time for immunity to develop.
To find out more about influenza (flu) and the vaccination, head over to this website.
References:
1CodeBlue. "Keeping Influenza At Bay During Covid-19 Pandemic Plausible Reason for Negative Excess Mortalities - Malaysian Influenza Working Group", https://codeblue.galencentre.org/2022/04/28/keeping-influenza-at-bay-during-covid-19-pandemic-plausible-reason-for-negative-excess-mortalities-malaysian-influenza-working-group/ Accessed 10 May 2022.
2Norrulashikin MA, Yusof F, Hanafiah NHM, Norrulashikin SM (2021) Modelling monthly influenza cases in Malaysia. PLoS ONE 16(7): e0254137. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0254137
3The Star, 31 October 2022. Malaysia experiencing small Covid-19 wave due to XBB subvariant, says Health Ministry. https://www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2022/10/31/malaysia-facing-small-covid-19-wave-due-to-xbb-variant-says-health-ministry
4Ipsos. Perspectives on influenza in older adults in Malaysia: Insights into Action on Vaccination for High-risk Adults, https://www.ipsos.com/sites/default/files/ct/publication/documents/2021-05/Perspectives%20paper_Malaysia%20Flu_Final.pdf. Accessed 29 June 2022.
5Czaja CA, Miller L, Alden N, Wald HL, Cummings CN, Rolfes MA, et al. Age-related differences in hospitalisation rates, clinical presentation, and outcomes among older adults hospitalised with influenza - U.S. Influenza Hospitalisation Surveillance Network (FluSurv-NET). Open Forum Infect Dis. 2019;6:1–8.
6Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. People at higher risk of flu complications. https://www.cdc.gov/flu/highrisk/index.htm?web=1&wdLOR=c27B3E6EB-B5BE-4B... (2021). Accessed 28 June 2022.
7Wong PL, Sii HL, P'ng CK, Ee SS, Yong Oong X, Ng KT, et al. The effects of age on clinical characteristics, hospitalisation and mortality of patients with influenza-related illness at a tertiary care centre in Malaysia. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2020;14:286–93.
8Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Influenza (Flu): How to Prevent Flu, https://www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/prevention.htm#. Accessed 12 July 2022.
9World Health Organization. Influenza (Seasonal), https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal). Accessed 12 July 2022.
10Simmerman JM, Uyeki TM. The burden of influenza in East and South-East Asia: a review of the English language literature. Influenza Other Respir Viruses. 2008;2(3):81-92. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19453467/ doi:10.1111/j.1750-2659.2008.00045.x Accessed 1 June 2022.
11World Health Organization. Influenza (Seasonal), https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/influenza-(seasonal). Accessed 12 July 2022.
12Nichol KL, Nordin JD, Nelson DB, Mullooly JP, Hak E. Effectiveness of influenza vaccine in the community-dwelling elderly. N Engl J Med. 2007;357:1373–81.
13World Health Organization. Six ways to protect yourself and those around you during the holiday season. https://www.who.int/westernpacific/news-room/feature-stories/item/six-ways-to-protect-yourself-and-those-around-you-during-the-holiday-season
14Flu Prevention is an Act of Love. Getting Ready For That Big Vacation?https://actoflove.ifl.my/getting-ready-for-that-big-vacation/