{"id":11323,"date":"2025-10-28T17:52:08","date_gmt":"2025-10-28T09:52:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/?p=11323"},"modified":"2026-03-16T09:17:20","modified_gmt":"2026-03-16T01:17:20","slug":"influenza-causes-symptoms-vaccination","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/1000journey.my\/en\/influenza-causes-symptoms-vaccination\/","title":{"rendered":"Influenza: Causes, Symptoms & Vaccination"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Photo: Mika Baumeister<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

After the chaos of Covid-19, it seemed like the days of masking up were over.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Unfortunately, as they say, history always comes up with some sick <\/em>rhymes.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Over the past few weeks, East Asia has seen a huge surge of influenza cases in popular travel destinations such as Japan<\/a>, Thailand<\/a>, Singapore and unfortunately, Malaysia<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what exactly is influenza, and what are some of the ways to avoid being bedridden with it during your precious holiday? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The ABCs of Influenza<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Graphic: NIAID<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Influenza<\/strong>, also known as the flu<\/strong>, is a contagious disease that mainly affects the upper respiratory tract, causing symptoms such as fever, coughs, sore throat and body aches. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is caused by a series of influenza viruses that are labelled  A, B, C and D. Although, A and B are the only ones that most of us will encounter.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And just like Covid-19, it is possible to be infected with influenza without manifesting any obvious symptoms, all the while spreading it to others.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It\u2019s Just a Cold, Right? <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Towfiqu barbhuiya<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Although they share many symptoms, influenza and the common cold are actually distinct diseases with different causes and symptoms:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Common Cold<\/strong><\/td>Influenza<\/strong><\/td><\/tr>
Caused by rhinoviruses <\/td>Caused by the influenza virus (A & B)<\/td><\/tr>
Common symptoms: runny nose, sore throat etc<\/td>Common symptoms: fever, chills, bodyaches, runny nose<\/td><\/tr>
Gradual and milder appearance of symptoms <\/td>Sudden and severe symptoms <\/td><\/tr><\/tbody><\/table><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

As you can see, although they share very similar symptoms, catching influenza is much more serious than a cold, guaranteed to knock you out for at least a week or two at least. You can forget about sticking to your itinerary, let alone enjoying your holiday!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tip: Taking a test is the only way to reliably confirm whether you have a cold, influenza or coronavirus like Covid-19.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Plus, influenza affects vulnerable groups such as children or the elderly more severely, causing complications which can turn deadly.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Should I Do?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: mohammad hosein safaei<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

Now that we\u2019ve sobered up a bit, here\u2019s how to dodge the flu and save some lives. And hopefully keep your vacation, of course.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The first and easiest thing to do is to mask up<\/strong>. Just like Covid-19, flu spreads through droplets expelled via sneezing, coughing, or even talking! Social distancing<\/strong> from sick people can also help your chances. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Photo: Mufid Majnun<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

But one of the most effective ways to stop flu in its tracks is vaccination<\/strong>, which will let your body\u2019s immune system get a head\u2019s up on the virus and prepare its own antibody defenses. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, all flu vaccinations will lapse over time because the influenza virus constantly mutates and changes quickly, requiring new vaccines each year. So if you had your flu shot a while ago, it\u2019s time to get another. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Although up-to-date flu vaccines are usually available as early as July, it\u2019s highly recommended to vaccinate just before the autumn and winter months<\/strong>, i.e. the influenza season..  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll also need at least two weeks<\/strong> for the effects to kick in, so don\u2019t get last minute jabs! <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Note: Young children, pregnant women and immunocompromised persons should avoid taking the flu vaccine. <\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lastly, if you can afford it, getting some basic travel insurance<\/strong> can help you avoid any painful medical charges if it comes to that.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What if I Get Sick with Influenza?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
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Photo: Navy Medicine<\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n

No worries, although more serious than a cold, a bout of influenza usually passes after a week with the following treatment:<\/p>\n\n\n\n