Microsoft Word - IJHHS IMAM 23rd ASC 2022


  
 

 S9

SPONSORED PLENARY  

 
Influenza – Beyond Respiratory Illness  
Musa Mohd Nordin1  

  
Annual epidemics of seasonal influenza cause hundreds of thousands of deaths, high levels of 
morbidity, and substantial economic loss. Global influenza circulation has been heavily suppressed by 
public health measures and travel restrictions during COVID-19 pandemic. As many countries are now 
transitioning to COVID-19 endemic state, restrictions have been loosened or been lifted entirely, 
creating an opening for influenza and other respiratory viruses. As such, many more people might catch 
the flu and potentially be at risk of serious illness.   
Although influenza is primarily considered a respiratory infection and causes significant respiratory 
mortality, evidence suggests that influenza has an additional burden due to broader consequences of the 
illness. Some of these broader consequences include cardiovascular events, exacerbations of chronic 
underlying conditions, increased susceptibility to secondary bacterial infections, functional decline, and 
poor pregnancy outcomes, all of which may lead to an increased risk for hospitalization and death.   
Flu vaccination could be more important than ever now, both to protect those most at risk, as well as to 
protect health systems that are already under pressure due to COVID-19. The World Health 
Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends that almost everyone 
aged 6 months and older get a seasonal flu vaccine each year. Flu vaccines are updated each season to 
keep up with changing viruses. Also, immunity wanes over a year so annual vaccination is needed to 
ensure the best possible protection against the flu.    
Despite health authorities’ recommendation, many at-risk adults are not aware of the impact of influenza 
and the importance of prevention. Healthcare provider’s recommendation can make a difference. 
Clinicians are the most valued and trusted source of health information for adults. CDC recommended 
a systematic communication to help patients make an informed decision about vaccinations.  
 
Keywords: Vaccine; flu, COVID-19; immunity  
 

1. KPJ Damansara Hospital, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.  
 

 

 

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Correspondence to: Dato’ Dr Musa Mohd Nordin, Consultant Pediatric Neonatologist, KPJ 
Damansara Hospital, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.  musamn@gmail.com  

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DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.31344/ijhhs.v7i70.512