Taking precaution: A patient getting the influenza vaccine at a clinic in Kuala Lumpur. — AZMAN GHANI/ The Star
PETALING JAYA: Flu shots are the best barrier to the influenza, but if that is not available, Malaysians should practice hygiene measures, say doctors.
Take precautions such as masking and good hand hygiene, said Dr Zafrina Burukan.
“If you are asthmatic, mask up in crowded areas. And if your children are not well, it’s best to keep them away from school and monitor them,” she said.
Concerns over influenza have mounted of late following reports that two celebrities – Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu and Chinese actor Liang Youcheng – had died within days apart due to the viral infection.
Dr Zafrina, whose clinic is in Bandar Utama, said she was out of flu vaccines due to large groups of people, such as families, coming in for vaccinations.
“We can’t even put in an order, as we were told to wait until the flu vaccines have been restocked.
“Even before Chinese New Year, we have seen cases of the flu, but now people are more vigilant. And more people are travelling as well,” she added.
Dr Natasha Suraya Mohamad Askandar, who is based in Tebrau, Johor, said there had been a surge in the demand for the Influenza vaccine over the past few days.
“My counterparts in Johor Baru, Port Dickson, Kuala Lumpur and even one in Sabah said their influenza stock, which was not really in demand previously, got taken up in less than three days,” she said.
In view of the vaccine shortage, she said priority should be given to those who are immunocompromised, such as children and senior citizens.
Dr Natasha advised those planning to travel to get the flu shot at least two weeks in advance, especially if they were visiting a country with cold weather or winter.
“However, due to the vaccine shortage now, other ways to prevent catching the flu are similar to what we did during Covid-19, as influenza is also a respiratory tract infection.
“Practise proper respiratory hygiene and cough etiquette while travelling. This includes putting on a face mask in crowded places, covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, and disposing of used items in proper bins,” she said.
Dr Natasha said people should be cautious if they have symptoms such as high-grade fever (more than 39°C), runny nose, sore throat, cough, body ache and headache.
“And in certain cases, you may go through vomiting, diarrhoea and stomachache. If you are travelling, seek medical attention as soon as you can if you’re in a country with a high number of cases of influenza,” she said.
Business chambers have also advised their members who are visiting Japan and China to take the necessary precautions.
SME Association president Chin Chee Seong said that it would be good to take the flu vaccines prior to travelling to places with cold weather.
“Even if you are a healthy person, the flu can drain you,” he said.Federation of Chinese Associations Sarawak president Datuk Richard Wee said the government must take steps to acquire more vaccines.
“I would encourage everyone to take their shots if they travel frequently to places with a reported surge of flu and pneumonia cases,” he said.
