Flu Facts: How to protect yourself and your family from influenza

INFLUENZA, commonly known as the flu, is a respiratory infection typically caused by influenza A, B, or C viruses. These viruses come in various subvariants, which is due to their continuous evolution.

In countries with cold climates, such as those experiencing autumn, winter, and spring, influenza types A and B frequently cause seasonal epidemics. In contrast, in Malaysia's tropical climate, influenza can occur throughout the year.

The flu virus spreads when an infected person coughs or sneezes, releasing droplets that others can inhale. It can also spread through contact with surfaces contaminated by the influenza virus.

Symptoms and complications of influenza infection

Anyone, including healthy individuals, can become infected with the influenza virus.

However, studies show that certain groups are at higher risk for severe illness. These groups include older adults (over 65 years old), pregnant women, people with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, and high blood pressure, as well as children under the age of five.

Influenza symptoms often resemble those of a common cold. Typical influenza symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue, which usually appear within one to four days of infection. Most people recover within a week, but some symptoms, such as cough and fatigue, can persist for more than two weeks. In high-risk patients, more severe symptoms may also occur.

Influenza can also lead to serious complications, such as infections of the nose and ears. More severe complications can include pneumonia (lung infection), myocarditis (inflammation of the heart), encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and kidney failure.

Prevention of influenza

Several preventive measures can help curb the spread of influenza. One key measure is the influenza vaccine, which aims to protect at-risk groups from infection.

The vaccine works by stimulating the production of antibodies by the body to fight the virus. There are two main types of flu vaccines: the quadrivalent vaccine, which targets four virus subvariants, and the trivalent vaccine, which targets three virus subvariants. These vaccines are available at private clinics and hospitals.

Since influenza viruses constantly evolve, an annual influenza vaccination is essential.

Each year, the vaccine's composition is updated to protect against the latest and most common strains. Annual immunization not only reduces the risk of infection but also helps prevent severe illness and complications.

Studies show that vaccination can lower the risk of illness by 40-60 per cent when the vaccine matches the prevalent strains. This is especially important for high-risk groups such as the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic conditions.

In addition to vaccination, maintaining good personal hygiene is crucial. The public should wash their hands thoroughly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer. Those who are symptomatic should wear a face mask in public and practice proper coughing and sneezing etiquette.

Treatment of influenza

In general, there is no specific treatment for influenza. Most treatments focus on alleviating the symptoms.

For example, patients may receive antipyretics or painkillers to relieve fever and body aches, and antihistamines for cold symptoms. It is also recommended that patients drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration.

If symptoms do not improve or worsen, patients should seek further treatment at the nearest medical facility. High-risk patients with severe flu symptoms may be treated with antiviral medicines to prevent complications.

Antiviral medicines such as oseltamivir and zanamivir are used to treat the virus infection in high-risk patients. These drugs should be taken twice daily for five to ten days. Possible side effects of oseltamivir include nausea, vomiting, headaches, and stomach pain.

Every individual can help prevent the spread of influenza

In summary, influenza can be prevented through vaccination and other recommended preventive measures. Individuals showing symptoms should consult a doctor for further evaluation. If antiviral medicine is prescribed, patients should take it as directed.

If there are any inquiries regarding medicines, please call the National Pharmacy Call Centre (NPCC) at the toll-free number 1-800-88-6722 during weekdays from 8am to 5pm, except on public holidays.

Ainur Fadlina Mohd Nadzir is a pharmacist at Hospital Sultan Idris Shah, Serdang. The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of Sinar Daily.