Flu bug back with a vengeance

Seasonal sickness: Patients waiting to see the doctor at a clinic in Wangsa Maju. – AZMAN GHANI/The Star

GEORGE TOWN: The flu season is back with many people falling ill, an unfortunate situation with the current haze and erratic weather in addition.

Some even need medical care, such as seven-year-old Vegas Chan, who had to be hospitalised after contracting Influenza A, B and also pneumonia.

His mother Gaylen Hong, 39, said her son first had a fever that would not subside despite medication.

“He had a fever on Monday night and we could not get it to go down.

“We took him to the clinic, but the medication did not help.

“We then admitted him to the hospital on Tuesday and were told he had caught Influenza A and B and also had pneumonia,” she said.

Hong said on Saturday that her son was feeling better but still needed to be monitored.

“He is a healthy kid and usually does not fall ill easily.

“We found that on the same day he missed school, two of his friends also had fever but they did not need to be admitted,” she added.

Hong said her son’s classmates had got the annual influenza vaccine, which is something she will make sure her son gets from now on.

“I think all parents should make sure their kids get vaccinated as the hospital bills add up to much more,” she said.

General practitioner Datuk Dr Parmjit Singh said he had noticed the number of patients with the common cold and influenza had gone up recently.

“It could be that the weather and haze had increased allergic rhinitis as well as asthma.

“When one has a predisposition for it, it increases the chances of getting the flu,” he said.

Dr Parmjit urged the public to mask up and wash or sanitise their hands regularly as a precautionary measure.

“Consult a doctor if you feel under the weather. It is the same advice we gave out during the pandemic.

“Wearing a mask when out in crowded places is the best way to avoid falling ill and passing along the virus,” he said.

Hospital Kepala Batas emergency unit head Dr Suhaida Hanis Johani said the number of flu cases coming was expected.

“When it is hot and then rains within a few hours, this can cause people to fall ill quicker than usual.

“Children are more susceptible to colds than adults as they are exposed to more pathogens at school and then pass these things from one to another,” she said.