INFLUENZA VIRUS

 

 

🤧 What is Influenza?

Influenza, or flu, is a viral infection that affects the nose, throat, and lungs.

It spreads easily from person to person, especially in schools, offices, and crowded places.

Flu = infection of the breathing system caused by a virus

 

🔎 Flu vs Common Cold 

Many people confuse flu with a normal cold.

Symptom	Cold	Flu
Fever	Rare	Common, high
Body ache	Mild	Severe
Tiredness	Mild	Very tired
Onset	Slow	Sudden
Bed rest needed	Usually no	Often yes

 

👉 Flu is usually more serious than common cold.

 

⚠️ Common Symptoms 

Symptoms include:

• High fever
• Headache
• Body & muscle aches
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Extreme tiredness
• Poor appetite

Symptoms usually last 5–7 days, sometimes longer.

 

💊 Do we need antibiotics?

❌ Antibiotics DO NOT treat flu
Because flu is caused by a virus, not bacteria.

Antibiotics are only needed if:

• Bacterial complications occur (e.g., pneumonia, sinusitis)

👉 Taking antibiotics unnecessarily can cause antibiotic resistance.

 

🏠 Home Treatment

🌿 English

Most flu cases recover at home.

✔ Rest well
✔ Drink plenty of water
✔ Take paracetamol for fever/body ache
✔ Eat light nutritious food
✔ Wear mask to protect others
✔ Wash hands frequently

👉 Your body needs time to heal.

 

🚨 When to see a doctor?

See a doctor immediately if:

❌ Difficulty breathing
❌ Chest pain
❌ Fever > 3 days
❌ Severe vomiting
❌ Very weak or confused
❌ Elderly, baby, pregnant, or chronic disease patients

⚠ High-risk groups can develop complications.

 

💉 How to Prevent Flu?

✔ Annual flu vaccine
✔ Wash hands regularly
✔ Wear mask when sick
✔ Avoid crowded places
✔ Healthy diet & sleep
✔ Cover mouth when coughing

👉 Vaccination is the BEST protection.

 

🩺 Final Message

Flu is common but preventable.
Protect yourself and your family with vaccination and good hygiene.

Come and Grab your Annual Influenza vaccine for as Low as RM60 only for you and your loved ones