Changing weather, indoor crowding, and waning immunity drive respiratory virus spread across Malaysia, health experts said.
Rising infections of influenza and Covid-19 stem from a mix of shifting environmental factors, increased time spent indoors, and declining population immunity, according to reports in The Star.
- Waning Immunity: Protection from past infections or vaccinations naturally fades over time, leaving the body more vulnerable to circulating viruses.
- Indoor Transmission: Rainy weather drives people into closed, crowded spaces where viral particles easily pass between individuals through the air.
- Layered Prevention: Annual vaccinations, good hand hygiene, masks, and proper indoor ventilation remain the primary defenses against severe illness.
Changes in rainfall, temperature, and humidity influence transmission patterns by pushing populations indoors into poorly ventilated environments, The Star reported.
“Unlike temperate countries, where influenza typically peaks during winter, influenza circulates throughout the year in tropical countries such as Malaysia,” Universiti Putra Malaysia consultant clinical microbiologist Prof Dr Zamberi Sekawi said.
“Other important factors include increased social interactions, school and workplace transmission, international travel, waning immunity and the continued evolution of circulating viruses,” Dr Zamberi told The Star.
Dr Zamberi cautioned against assuming all fever, cough, or sore throat cases are influenza or Covid-19, noting that other respiratory pathogens produce identical symptoms.
Environmental fluctuations, such as haze and sudden shifts between hot and rainy weather, irritate the respiratory tract and aggravate underlying conditions like asthma and sinus problems, public health medicine specialist Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar told The Star.
To help clear viral particles from the air, Datuk Dr Zainal Ariffin Omar advised opening windows for better natural ventilation and stressed the importance of regular hand hygiene using soap and water or alcohol-based sanitisers.
Crowded indoor settings provide continuous opportunities for viral transmission. Experts recommend staying home when experiencing fever, cough, sore throat, or body aches, and wearing well-fitted masks in crowded indoor spaces or on public transport.
| Intervention | Primary Benefit | Target Group |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Influenza Vaccination | Reduces serious illness, hospitalization, and complications | Older adults, young children, pregnant women, chronic medical conditions |
| Covid-19 Vaccination | Maintains up-to-date immunological protection | Eligible individuals per current recommendations |
| Antiviral Treatments | Most beneficial when started promptly in eligible patients | Eligible patients with influenza-like symptoms |
People facing an elevated danger of serious complications ought to consult a physician promptly should they start showing signs resembling influenza. Antiviral treatments are available for both influenza and Covid-19, offering maximum clinical benefit when administered promptly to eligible patients. Those who are unwell must avoid close contact with vulnerable family members, practice strict hand hygiene, and wear masks when sharing spaces with others.
“I strongly encourage annual influenza vaccination, particularly among older adults, young children, pregnant women, and those with chronic medical conditions,” Dr Zamberi said, adding that eligible individuals should also keep their Covid-19 vaccinations up to date.
- The Star: Weather, waning immunity may fuel virus spread
