Don’t take influenza lightly, say former patients

PETALING JAYA: For business owner Norie Ibrahim, 35, her experience of catching the Influenza B virus was even more painful than being infected with Covid-19.

She experienced debilitating body aches – as well as fever, sore throat and runny nose – and was unable to work for about a week.

“I tested positive for the virus after taking a test at the doctor’s office. I also received a medical certificate for about a week.

“I had Covid-19 before, but it wasn’t as bad as my experience with influenza. My advice to others would be to get the flu jab, which is less than RM100,” she said.

Social media strategist Ahmad Rizal Adzman, 33, said wearing a mask in enclosed spaces such as offices continue to be relevant, even if Covid-19 rules have been relaxed.

“I caught influenza from a colleague. So now, I practise wearing a mask indoors and also aboard public transport even if it’s no longer mandated by the Health Ministry,” said Ahmad Rizal, who added that the illness put him on bed rest for a week.

“Don’t underestimate the virus. Even though I’m physically fit, go to the gym and eat healthily, it still knocked me out,” he said.

Housewife Harveena Kaur, 37, said her four-year-old was infected with influenza from his playschool and had to stay home for a week.

She said that prior to her son getting infected, kids at his school had been “taking turns” getting sick, with common symptoms such as coughing, runny nose, fever and diarrhoea.

Harveena advised parents to be vigilant and to let their children stay at home to recuperate if they catch the virus.

“Don’t insist on sending them to school if they’re unwell because they can infect other kids.

“It’s also a good idea to buy the influenza rapid test kits and have them on hand at home if you’re worried,” she said.