Every year, thousands of Malaysians experience the flu season — a time when coughs, fevers, and aches become almost expected. But influenza isn’t just a passing cold; it’s a contagious viral infection that can disrupt daily life, lower productivity, and even lead to serious complications for vulnerable groups.
At Sunway Multicare, we believe that prevention is the best protection. Here’s what every Malaysian should know about influenza — from symptoms and causes to prevention and treatment options available through your trusted community pharmacy and healthcare partner.
What Is Influenza?
Influenza, often called the “flu,” is an infectious disease caused mainly by Influenza A and Influenza B viruses. Unlike the common cold, which develops slowly, influenza tends to strike suddenly — often within a few hours — with symptoms that can leave you bedridden for days.
The virus attacks the respiratory system, spreading easily through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Once exposed, you may start showing symptoms within one to four days.
Because new flu strains can emerge each year, the body’s immune system may not fully recognise them, which is why annual flu vaccination remains one of the most effective ways to stay protected.
How Influenza Spreads in Malaysia
Malaysia’s warm and humid climate doesn’t make us immune to the flu. In fact, influenza cases are reported all year round, with peaks during the rainy and monsoon seasons when people spend more time indoors in close contact.
Flu viruses thrive in crowded environments — offices, schools, shopping malls, and public transport — making it easy to spread among families, colleagues, and communities.
You can catch the flu when you:
- Inhale droplets from someone’s cough or sneeze
- Touch contaminated surfaces (like doorknobs, lift buttons, or phones) and then touch your mouth or nose
- Share utensils or cups with an infected person
Certain groups are at higher risk of complications from influenza, including:
- Young children (under 5 years old)
- Older adults (over 65 years)
- Pregnant women
- Individuals with chronic illnesses (diabetes, heart disease, asthma)
Tip: Encourage yearly health checks for at-risk groups at your nearest Sunway Multicare Health & Wellness to identify vulnerabilities early.
Recognising the Symptoms of Influenza
Influenza symptoms usually appear suddenly and can vary in intensity, but most people experience a combination of:
- High fever (above 38°C)
- Sore throat and dry cough
- Headache and muscle aches
- Fatigue and body weakness
- Chills and sweating
- Runny or blocked nose
- Loss of appetite
Unlike a mild cold, the flu can make you feel too weak to perform daily activities. Some people may also experience vomiting or diarrhoea, especially children.
If your fever lasts more than three days, or if you experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, or confusion, seek medical attention immediately. These may signal severe complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, or worsening of chronic diseases.
Prevention: Your Best Defence Against Influenza
1. Get Vaccinated Annually
The influenza virus mutates regularly, which means last year’s vaccine may not protect against this year’s strain. That’s why health authorities — including Malaysia’s Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) — recommend yearly flu vaccinations for everyone aged 6 months and above.
The vaccine helps your body build immunity and reduces the risk of serious illness even if you do catch the flu.
Did you know? Regular vaccination can reduce flu-related hospitalisations by up to 60% among high-risk adults.
2. Maintain Strong Hygiene Habits
Influenza spreads mainly through contact, so daily hygiene plays a key role in prevention:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.
- Use hand sanitiser when soap isn’t available.
- Avoid touching your face, especially eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing — use tissues or your elbow.
- Wear a mask if you’re unwell to protect others.
Simple habits like these reduce not only flu transmission but also other respiratory infections — a cornerstone of community health.
3. Adopt a Healthy Lifestyle
A strong immune system is your natural defence. Support it with:
- Nutritious meals rich in fruits, vegetables, and lean protein.
- Regular exercise, even light activities like walking or stretching.
- Adequate rest — aim for at least 7–8 hours of sleep nightly.
- Stress management, as prolonged stress can weaken your body’s defences.
For personalised supplement advice, drop by Sunway Multicare’s Vitamins & Wellness section — our pharmacists can recommend Vitamin C, Zinc, and immune-boosting formulations suitable for your lifestyle.
Diagnosis & Treatment: What to Expect
If you suspect you have influenza, a healthcare provider may perform a clinical assessment or a nasal/throat swab test to confirm the diagnosis.
For most healthy adults, the flu resolves on its own with rest, hydration, and over-the-counter medications to relieve fever and aches. However, antiviral medications (like oseltamivir) may be prescribed for high-risk patients to shorten recovery time and prevent complications.
Seek urgent care if you experience:
- Persistent high fever
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Severe weakness or confusion
- Dehydration symptoms
At Sunway Multicare, our team ensures that patients get timely advice, quality medications, and follow-up support — whether you’re managing flu symptoms at home or helping family members recover safely.
You can always reach out Sunway Multicare Pharmacy for product recommendations, medical supplies, or consultation with our pharmacists.
When to See a Doctor
While mild influenza can be managed at home, don’t delay professional care if:
- You belong to a high-risk group (children, elderly, pregnant women, chronic illness).
- Symptoms worsen after a few days instead of improving.
- You experience chest tightness, wheezing, or dehydration.
Early medical attention can prevent serious outcomes. In some cases, your doctor may recommend a health screening to ensure there are no underlying conditions compromising your immune system.
Consider booking an appointment through Sunway Multicare’s Health Check & Wellness Services for preventive assessments.
Flu Myths Malaysians Should Stop Believing
Even with abundant information, myths about the flu persist:
|
Myth |
Fact |
|
“I got the flu vaccine once, so I’m protected for life.” |
The virus changes yearly — you need annual vaccination. |
|
“The flu shot can give you the flu.” |
False — vaccines contain inactive viruses that cannot cause infection. |
|
“Only children need the flu vaccine.” |
Adults, seniors, and healthcare workers benefit just as much. |
|
“Antibiotics can treat influenza.” |
Flu is viral, not bacterial — antibiotics won’t help unless there’s a secondary infection. |
Conclusion: Stay Protected, Stay Healthy
Influenza may be common, but it’s not harmless. With proper awareness, annual vaccination, and timely care, Malaysians can protect themselves and their loved ones from unnecessary illness.
Make prevention part of your routine today — Good health begins with proactive care — and Sunway Multicare is here every step of the way.
