Health Tips

When is influenza most frequent?

While in seasonal countries, influenza cases tend to increase in numbers during late fall or winter, tropical countries like Malaysia have a less clearly defined period. However, according to a recent study done by University Malaya and the government, the Influenza trend here is found to increase from November to March and July to September no doubt it is still present all year round. 

What do we need to take note of?

Transmission 

Influenza is transmitted through 

• Droplets from a cough or sneeze from an infected person as the virus are often present in respiratory secretions of infected persons. 

• Breathing small viral aerosols in the air 

• Contact with contaminated surfaces

When does one start to show signs of influenza after an exposure?

The Incubation period ranges from 1 to 4 days, averaging at the 2nd day for most. 

How long is someone contagious for?

Typically viral shedding occurs in + 6.4 days according to studies but it can take a longer time for certain groups of people (children, older adults, patients with chronic illnesses, obese adults, and immunocompromised hosts) 

Possible Complications

• Pneumonia - primary influenza pneumonia or secondary bacterial pneumonia or mixed

• Acute respiratory distress syndrome and multisystem organ failure

• Myositis and rhabdomyolysis - most frequent in children

• Cardiac complications

• Central nervous system involvement 

• Toxic shock syndrome

Influenza is an acute contagious viral respiratory disease, therefore prevention is important and taking measures to prevent the spread is equally important. 

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Reference :

1. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/clinical-manifestations-of-seasonal-influenza-in-adults#H2

2. https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1002/jmv.25313

3. https://www.bharian.com.my/berita/nasional/2020/01/646765/penyakit-seperti-influenza-meningkat

Picture credit:

1. http://discoveries.childrenshospital.org/hope-for-better-flu-vaccines/

2. National Institute of Health

3. https://www.mirror.co.uk/science/how-far-sneeze-really-travel-8108769

4. Kementerian Kesihatan Malaysia

Written by

Dr. Jessamine Chong Sze Lynn