Influenza should not be taken lightly - specialist

KUALA LUMPUR, July 20 (Bernama) -- Influenza, a type of infectious disease that increases the rate of illness and death should not be taken lightly as its threat always exist against high-risk groups such as children and senior citizens, said president of the Malaysian Society of Infectious Diseases and Chemotherapy (MSIDC), Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi.



"The group that is most affected is children below the age of five, pregnant women, senior citizens above the age of 65,haj and umrah pilgrims, those with breathing problems, such as asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  (COPD), and also those with chronic diseases, such as diabetes and heart problems," he said in a statement here today.



Hence, he advised the public to to protect themselves against the disease by getting the flu vaccination at least two weeks before their travel.



"Those going for haj, especially, should get the influenza vaccination. Respiratory tract infections are known as the most prevalent illness during the haj season."



He said by taking the influenza vaccination, the lower than chance of them not getting the disease.



-- BERNAMA