THE World Health Organisation estimates that 290,000 to 650,000 people die of flu-related causes every year worldwide.
Influenza is making a comeback in Malaysia since the easing of lockdowns and movement restrictions. At the same time, Covid-19 remains an ever present threat.
Post recovery, both Covid-19 and influenza patients may continue to suffer from lingering symptoms.
Studies show a protein in the influenza virus that helps it multiply and damage lung epithelial cells, causing fluid build-up in the lungs. A bad case of Covid-19, on the other hand, can produce scarring and other permanent problems in the lungs.
"Predominantly, long Covid patients are the elderly because of their weak immunity. Moreover, adults with heart or lung disease are prone to these respiratory diseases as their airways are much narrower," says Sunway Medical Centre consultant respiratory physician, Dr Kow Ken Siong.
Post respiratory disease symptoms vary for everyone but includes constant tiredness, brain fog, persistent headache, chest pain, difficulty breathing or shortness of breath and a prolonged cough.
Symptoms like these can be treated, but it will take time.
Gradually, lung tissue heals from scarring, but it will take months or years for a person's lung function to return to normal.
It is also important to note that lung healing from respiratory diseases will produce its own set of symptoms as well.
Patients will experience discomfort as the healing process starts and only through treatment and therapy will the doctor be able to determine which stage of recovery a patient is at
DO IT RIGHT
Home exercises to strengthen the respiratory system may aid recovery. These include:
Walking
Set short realistic goals, and start slow by walking in your house for 10-15 minutes. If you feel comfortable without any shortness of breath, you can gradually increase it by 5 minutes. Walking improves circulation and strengthens the tissue around your lungs, helping them function.
Yawn to a smile (breathing exercise)
This exercise helps to increase coordination and build strength in the arms and shoulder muscles. It will also help to open up the muscles in the chest to allow the diaphragm to fully expand.
Sit upright with a straight back. This can be done on the edge of your bed or in a sturdy chair. Stretch your arms up to shoulder height, overhead. Then, open your mouth wide and create a big stretching yawn. Bring your arms down and turn that yawn into a smile for three seconds. Repeat the process for one minute.
Humming (breathing exercise)
Humming helps to increase nitric oxide production. Nitric oxide helps with neural plasticity (building and repair of the nervous system), and it dilates blood vessels, pulling more oxygen into the lungs with each breath. Humming can also reduce stress as it calms and soothes the mind.
Sit upright with a straight back and place your hands around the sides of your stomach. Keep your lips closed and rest your tongue on the roof of your mouth.
Breathe deep and slow through your nose and spread your fingers while doing so. Keep your body relaxed and when your lungs are full, exhale while humming, making the "hmmm" sound.
Repeat by inhaling and exhaling through your nose while humming and do this for several breaths.
Each patient's symptoms may vary, so it's important to seek a doctor's consultation about the symptoms you are experiencing.