Protection against flu during Covid-19
KUCHING: If you’re suffering from coughs, fever, and body aches you might be wondering whether it’s the dreaded Covid-19 or just the common flu. However, neither you nor your doctor would be able to tell the difference until you get tested for both. Thus, technical committee chairman of the Immunise4Life programme, Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli […]
Making flu prevention the new normal
Once a global pandemic in 1918, influenza is now preventable with a jab of vaccination annually. Sharing on this preventable disease, Professor Zamberi Sekawi talks about what is influenza, its symptoms and how vaccination can help. Prevention is better than cure It was four years ago when Diong Chae Lian started taking care of her […]
Flu shot makers see record US production
WASHINGTON: Global influenza vaccine makers have produced a record number of doses for the coming flu season, as authorities try to ease the burden on hospitals ahead of an expected Covid-19 resurgence. In the US, pharmaceutical companies plan to make around 196 million doses to serve the population of 330 million, according to the Centres […]
Get vaccinated before travelling overseas
KUALA LUMPUR: If you’re planning on travelling overseas, it will do you good to be vaccinated for influenza a month before you depart as this will strengthen your immune system and antibodies, advises Malaysian Medical Association president (MMA) Dr N. Ganabaskaran. “Vaccination does not only protect the patient but others from being infected with the […]
Influenza not linked to China’s novel coronavirus
KUALA LUMPUR: The influenza situation in Malaysia has nothing to do with the spread of the novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China, said Health director-general Datuk Dr Noor Hisham Abdullah. He said that based on monitoring done, so far there were no suspected novel coronavirus cases reported to the Health Ministry. However, he said the ministry […]
Selangor Govt monitoring Influenza outbreak, affected schools to close if situation worsens
SHAH ALAM: The Selangor government is monitoring the Influenza A outbreak in the state and will close affected schools if the situation reaches a critical level. Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said for the moment, there was an outbreak in Cyberjaya where the situation was under control. “However, if the numbers increase and the […]
Don’t prescribe NSAIDs for kids
KUALA LUMPUR: Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs) prescribed for children aged below five years for the purpose of reducing fever, could expose them to higher risk of influenza complications. In a statement issued yesterday, health director-general Datuk Dr Nor Hisham Abdullah said clinical evidence indicates that NSAIDs could increase the risk of influenza complications such as encephalitis, among children. As such, he said the […]
