LETTER: The number of influenza cases, or the flu, typically increases during the winter months in temperate countries and during the monsoon season in tropical countries.
As the world's attention has been focused on the Covid-19 pandemic, there has been a drop in the uptake of influenza vaccines. Some patients wrongly assume that influenza is just a nasty cold.
Others feel that money is spent unnecessarily on something that requires a bit of rest and paracetamol.
Some are more distrustful of vaccines, even though the safety and efficacy of these vaccines have been tested, hence, they are used by healthcare authorities around the world.
I believe that influenza vaccines play an important role in preventing the development of serious illnesses and complications.
This is not only true for those with underlying lung diseases, such as asthma and emphysema, but also for the very young and the elderly, as well as those who have other chronic diseases.
The World Health Organisation recommends annual influenza vaccinations for high-risk groups:
PREGNANT women at any stage of pregnancy;
CHILDREN aged between 6 months to 5 years;
ELDERLY individuals (aged more than 65);
THOSE with chronic medical conditions; and,
HEALTHCARE workers.
Influenza is not just a bad cold. It is a condition that affects up to five million people annually, with potential complications, such as pneumonia, inflammation of the heart and brain, sepsis and multi-organ damage.
It is responsible for up to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually.
Additionally, there is a significant burden of disease that extends far beyond the physical.
This includes the stress of caring for a loved one who is seriously ill, having to miss school and work, the potential for lost income among those who lack a steady income, as well as the cost of medication, medical fees and hospitalisation.
This is a heavy load for an individual and, on a larger scale, places a huge burden on a nation's healthcare resources, which are stretched due to the pandemic.
Recognising the need to prevent influenza from spreading among the population, the 2021 Budget provides a tax exemption of up to RM1,000 for vaccinations for personal use, as well as that of a spouse and children.
In a nutshell, the influenza vaccine works by priming our immune system. It helps us prepare antibodies to defend ourselves against a real attack.
It does not introduce the virus into our body.
Although generally very well tolerated, it can lead to a mild fever and discomfort at the site of injection.
Only two per cent of the Malaysian population is vaccinated against influenza. This means there is an opportunity to improve the level of protection that we have against this older respiratory pathogen.
While we are looking forward to a vaccine against the SARS-CoV-2 virus, we must not neglect or forget to use vaccines available to protect ourselves and our loved ones.
DR HELMY HAJA MYDIN
Consultant respiratory physician,
Pantai Hospital Kuala Lumpur and co-founder of Asthma Malaysia