PETALING JAYA: Getting a flu shot can be a passport to a happy and healthy vacation, health experts say, especially for international travelers.
Datuk Dr Christopher Lee, former deputy health ministry director (research and technical assistance), said getting vaccinated is still useful for people who are traveling or not planning to travel to avoid getting the flu. said.
“Even if you can avoid the flu while traveling, if an infected person sits near you on the flight home, you have an 80% chance of contracting the flu, whether or not you have symptoms.
“The flu virus can survive for up to 48 hours on certain surfaces, such as video screens, armrests, and seat belt buckles, so you can catch it after you get home.
“Particularly high-risk groups should be vaccinated even if they have not traveled internationally. Due to the expected number of foreign tourists from influenza hotspots, it is also possible to be unintentionally infected within local communities. because it may expand.
“Getting vaccinated can reduce the chances of getting a full-blown flu and wasting precious vacation time in bed or in the hospital,” he added.
Professor Datuk Dr Zulkifli Ismail, Chair of the Immunise4Life Program Technical Committee, said many popular tourist destinations in the Northern Hemisphere are currently in the midst of influenza epidemics and that Malaysians traveling to those locations should first be vaccinated. stressed that they should consider receiving
“As of December 2nd, the United States is currently experiencing what many call the worst flu outbreak in a decade, with UK hospitals reporting 10 times more flu cases than last December. reported 334 cases per day.
“France has also declared an influenza epidemic in several regions.
“Asian countries are not safe either, with health officials in South Korea, Taiwan and Japan warning of a steady rise in cases in their own countries,” he said.
Immunizations are available at most private clinics in Malaysia.
