Influenza!! A hidden burden of disease in Malaysia

Influenza, a contagious respiratory illness presented with sudden onset of fever, sore throat, cough – usually unproductive, runny nose, headache, aching muscles and severe malaise, caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and lungs. Yearly, influenza infection leads to an estimated 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness and 250,000 – 500,000 deaths1. In children under 5 years, an estimated 28,000 – 111,500 deaths accountable to influenza occur annually, with 99% of the number occur in developing countries2. Information on childhood influenza is scarce in Malaysia.Vaccination is the most potent measure to inhibit influenza infection and its complications3. In Malaysia, the H1N1 pandemic in 2009 has increased consciousness of the general people and medical personnel about influenza4. Most of the information were obtained from Kuala Lumpur with no information obtained from Sabah. In 2009, Seroprevalence rate of seasonal H1N1 was 14.7% and of H3N2 was 21%. Among the Malaysian population, influenza A Infection was common5.