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Ah-Chooo! Is It the Flu?
2 March 2021
3 mins read
3 mins read
Is it the flu?
The flu may be seasonal in the American and European
continents, but this is
not the case in countries like Malaysia.
Experts have noted that even though there
were spikes during
the
monsoon season in the northern and southern areas of
Malaysia, it is always best to
stay vigilant all year
round.
So, what exactly is the flu?
The flu defined
Influenza is an acute respiratory infection which circulates in all parts of the world. It is contagious and is usually caused by the Influenza A and B virus which attacks your system. It is commonly known as the flu, but it is not the same as a stomach "flu" virus that causes diarrhoea and vomiting.
Who is at high risk?
Generally, for most people, the flu goes away on its own. But sometimes it can be deadly especially for:
Young children under the age of 5
Adults older than the age of 65
Pregnant women and women in confinement
People with weakened immune systems
People who have chronic illnesses
People who have an obese BMI
Colds often develop gradually over a few days and are usually milder than flu. People with colds are more likely to have a runny or stuffy note. Colds generally do not result in serious health problems, such as pneumonia, bacterial infections, or hospitalisations.
On the other hand, flu symptoms can include a dry, hacking cough as well as a moderate to high fever. Flu symptoms come on quickly and can be severe, lasting usually from 1 to 2 weeks.
What to do when you have the flu?
Call your work or school and tell them you won't be coming in for a few days. You're sick & very contagious!
Take the time off and give your body some much-needed rest.
Drink plenty of fluids. It doesn't all have to be water - fruit juices, sports drinks, and soups also count.
If you have developed a fever, it's your body fighting off the infection. Consult your pharmacist for the best medicines to manage the fever.
Steam up by letting the shower run hot until the room is filled with moist steam and take a deep breath. Sit away from the water to avoid burns.
If the air in your house is dry, a mist humidifier or vaporizer can moisten it to help ease congestion and coughs.
Frest fruits and vegetables provide important vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants that strengthen your immune system as it fights off the virus.
Prevention is better than cure
Here's how you can protect yourself against the flu bug:
Avoid close contact with people who are sick
Wash your hands with soap or sanitise it
Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school
Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food
When to
see a doctor?
High or prolonged fever
(above 38 Celsius or a fever lasting more than 3-5 days)
Difficulty in breathing or shortness of breath
Pain or pressure in the chest
Fainting or near-fainting
Confusion
Severe or persistent vomiting and/or
the inability to
keep down food or water
One of the best ways to safeguard yourself from getting the flu is to get your annual flu shot.
Vaccination has been shown to have many benefits including reducing the risk of flu illnesses, hospitalisations and even the risk of flu-related death in children.
If you are an AIA policyholder with a Health Wallet attached to your plan, you get to utilise the money in your Health Wallet for a flu shot. Plus, if you are an AIA Vitality member, you also get rewarded with points when you complete your flu vaccination.
REFERENCES
www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/coping-with-flu#3
www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/flu/symptoms-causes/syc-20351719
www.nhs.uk/conditions/flu
www.healthline.com/health/influenza/what-to-do-first-sign
www.cdc.gov/flu/treatment/takingcare.htm
www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/actions-prevent-flu.htm
www.malaymail.com/news/life/2020/10/09/all-year-round-malayian-expert-cautions-about-the-dangers-of-flu-and-what/1911206
healthmetrics.co/m/guide-for-hrs-influenza-flu-vaccine-for-malaysian-companies
www.cdc.gov/flu/prevent/keyfacts.htm#:~:text=An%20annual%2seasonal%20flu%20vaccine,flu%2Drelated%20death%20in%20children
www.thestar.com.my/news/nation/2021/02/08/safeguarding-seniors-from-the-flu
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