Most Malaysians often mistake the flu from the common cold, however according to studies like Influenza Surveillance in Hospitalised Patients with Acute Respiratory Symptoms, influenza is still a significant contributor to hospitalization especially among the older age group.
In fact, Malaysia’s influenza rates are almost comparable with worldwide rates, with estimates ranging from 7-12% of the study population.
What is the Flu Compared to the Cold?
Influenza or the flu is an illness with more severe symptoms compared to the cold. The flu hits you fast and strong - with fevers, chills, muscle aches, headache, cough, runny nose and fatigue. A flu will likely make you feel very run down for a few days or even a few weeks.
Meanwhile, a cold has similar symptoms, but often do not come with a very high fever. Most symptoms come on much more gradually. Colds are contagious for the first three days and tend to last for a shorter time than the flu, typically involving a runny nose and mild fever.
Instead, the flu is caused by viruses that attack the body’s respiratory system, such as the throat, nose and lungs, and can lead to more severe health problems and even death.
The flu can be spread from person to person, especially with those that you are in close contact with. It can be spread through droplets when people with the illness cough, sneeze or talk. It is possible to spread the flu virus to others for 1 day without showing any symptoms, as they usually take 1-4 days to develop after infection.
Flu symptoms can also develop into something more severe, such as difficulties in breathing, severe weakness and muscle pain, pressure in your chest, seizures and worsening of chronic medical conditions. This is serious enough to visit the doctor immediately.
Which Groups of People More Susceptible To the Flu?
There are certain groups of people may be more vulnerable to the flu, due to lower immunity and also respiratory problems:
- Smokers
- Those with Respiratory Illness
- Elderly folks
- Pregnant women
How to Gain Immunity to the Flu
There is no ‘cure’ for the flu. However, there are tips to lessen the symptoms of the flu, such as getting plenty of rest, hydrating yourself, and taking aspirin to lower your temperature.
Some individuals may also prefer to get a yearly flu vaccination to avoid the flu. Flu vaccines cause antibodies to develop in your body to protect against the virus infections. The flu vaccine can protect against 3 or 4 flu viruses that will be the most common during the upcoming flu season. In Malaysia, you can obtain an influenza vaccination at a private clinic for up to RM200 or less.
However, it is possible to still get sick with the flu even after vaccination, but the severity of the symptoms will be lowered.
The dominant flu strains are predicted six months before the season and used in vaccine production. So it depends on whether there is a match between the virus used in the vaccine and those in circulation during the flu season. The viruses may mutate during this six-month period, thus leading to no match and protection through the flu vaccine.
In this case, the best possible thing to do is still prevention of the flu through developing a healthy immune system. This is why we’ve created Nature’s Glory Flu Immunity Pack to build up your everyday immunity to defend against the flu.
Nature's Glory Flu Immunity Pack
Similar to the flu vaccine, building up your immunity helps our bodies make antibodies naturally to fight against pathogens, viruses and bacteria that attack our system. Taking our specially packaged Flu Immunity pack with their antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties can boost your everyday immunity against these infections.
The flu immunity pack consists of several of Nature’s Glory’s top-selling health supplements, including their Plum Balls, Propolis Balls, Garlic Balls, Vitality C and Squalene supplements.
Nature’s Glory Plum Balls are made from Japanese plums and wild mountain yam into antiviral and antibacterial health supplements. Plums are well-known as alkaline fruits that can help to reduce the acidity in blood that may lead to toxicity and diseases. They also contain citric acid, calcium, iron and phosphorus and other organic acids and minerals to maintain good health.
The propolis from our Propolis Balls are extracted from the tree bark by bees and are rich in flavone, enzymes, trace elements, organic amino acids, polysaccharides and vitamins. They promote healing, ease pain, and are beneficial for its natural antiviral and antibacterial properties against flus, colds, and coughs.
Garlic is famed for its strong anti-microbial properties against viruses and bacteria. Nature’s Glory Garlic Balls are one of the essentials for strengthening the immune system and protecting the heart.
Vitality C vitamin powder is a powerful antioxidant to support a healthy immune system for protection and recovery against infections.
Squalene is a great antioxidant to provide oxygen to the lungs, help with respiratory illnesses and boost immunity.
You can find out more information about our Flu Immunity Pack here.