27/10/2025

MONDAY | OCT 27, 2025

26

HEALTH

Influenza: Silent threat to adults, children alike

NEXT-GEN SMART WARD IN JOHOR Regency Specialist Hospital has implemented its Next-Gen Smart Ward, reforming patient care standards through technology. The Smart Ward harnesses advanced digital systems, automation and real-time monitoring. Its management system was developed in collaboration with the Chang Gung Medical Foundation, with Taiwan’s Lanseed Medical Group providing software development expertise. NURSING CARE CENTRE TO OPEN IN SENDAYAN Alpro Group, Matrix Concepts Holdings Bhd and Mercy Senior Care Centre Sdn Bhd have entered into a memorandum of understanding to jointly establish and operate a fully equipped 130-bed nursing care centre in Suria Heights, Sendayan. It will cater to long-term bedridden patients, those recovering from surgery or accidents and individuals who need rehabilitation or post discharge supervision. BRIDGING GAPS IN MIDLIFE CARE Menopause Asia recently launched to close long-standing gaps in awareness, care and community support for women experiencing perimenopause and menopause. It aims to normalise midlife health conversations across Malaysia. As a digital platform, it connects women to independently licensed doctors, reliable medical information and practical support.

BR I E F S

o Essential tips to help protect you, your family

A MID rising influenza cases in the world and Asia, the recent passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu from influenza-related pneumonia, followed by the death of Chinese actor Liang You Cheng from flu infection and most recently, a three-year-old Malaysian girl due to worsening cold-related complications, serves as a stark reminder of the potentially severe consequences of influenza. In Malaysia alone, influenza affects 5–15% of the population annually, contributing to thousands of severe illnesses and deaths. Influenza in adults Cases often spike during school holiday terms when more Malaysians return from overseas, bringing the virus home. With flu spreading easily through air droplets and close contact, places such as schools, offices and public transport have become hotspots for infection. Unlike the common cold, influenza hits harder, bringing high fever, sore throat, body aches and extreme fatigue. For most, it is unpleasant but manageable. But for the elderly, pregnant women, young children and those with chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease, it can turn serious fast. Complications such as pneumonia and respiratory failure can be life-threatening, making early treatment critical. The challenge is that flu symptoms often mimic Covid-19 and other viral infections. That is why testing is important for the right diagnosis. Warning signs of severe flu include a fever lasting more than three to four days, dehydration, nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. Antiviral medication works best within 48 hours. After five to seven days, complications such as bacterial pneumonia can set in. Influenza in children Influenza can strike anyone, but young children, especially those under five, are among the most vulnerable. Their immune systems are still developing, making them more prone to severe symptoms compared to older family members. Influenza can progress rapidly in children, which is

In Malaysia alone, influenza affects 5–15% of the population annually.

tract infections per year, but frequent, severe infections may indicate a higher risk. Regular flu vaccinations and proper asthma management are essential in reducing this risk. For frequent travellers, particularly to winter destinations, extra precautions are key. Flu strains vary by region. Practicing good hand hygiene and avoiding crowded places whenever possible is essential. Wearing masks, maintaining a healthy lifestyle and carrying hand sanitisers can further reduce infection risk. Protecting children Prevention must start early, with schools and daycare centres being common flu hotspots. Schools should encourage regular handwashing, ensure good ventilation, provide nutritious food, and arrange outdoor activities to strengthen children’s immune systems. Teaching children to cover their mouths when sneezing and washing hands frequently can help reduce spread. This article is contributed by Sunway Medical Centre, Sunway City consultant physician, respiratory physician

why early intervention is crucial to prevent long-term complications that may impact their future lung function. Severe flu cases in children can lead to pneumonia, dehydration and, in rare cases, infections affecting the brain or heart, such as encephalitis or myocarditis. Symptoms such as high fever, body aches, cough and fatigue should never be dismissed as just another childhood illness. If symptoms persist beyond 48 hours or fever does not subside with medication, parents should seek medical attention immediately. Difficulty breathing, persistent vomiting and signs of dehydration are red flags that require urgent care. Flu vaccination The flu vaccine is safe and recommended for children as young as six months old. It significantly reduces the risk of severe illness and hospitalisation. Parents are urged to ignore myths that the vaccine causes the flu. It contains inactivated or weakened virus strains, meaning any mild symptoms post-vaccination are part of the body’s natural immune response. Beyond immediate flu risks, repeated influenza infections can have long-term effects. Repeated inflammation from the flu can increase a child’s risk of developing asthma in the future. Children typically experience up to six upper respiratory

& interventional pulmonologist Dr Megat Razeem Abdul Razak and consultant paediatrician and paediatric respiratory specialist Dr Noor Zehan Abdul Rahim.

New UMMC unit to give patients earlier access to new therapies UNIVERSITI Malaya Medical Centre (UMMC) has unveiled its Phase I Unit at the Clinical Investigation Centre (CIC), the first facility of its kind within a Malaysian teaching hospital. emergency and specialist services. The unit, which is undergoing renovations, will be located at Menara Timur, Level 3, chosen for its accessibility and suitability as a specialised research facility. reflecting the urgent need for new therapies in cancer care. Beyond oncology, the facility can also support rheumatology, neurology, haematology, respiratory medicine, nephrology and cardiology.

Phase I clinical trials are the earliest stage of testing new investigational drugs and medical devices in humans, focusing primarily on safety, tolerability and dosage before moving on to later phases of research. The new unit is purpose-built to conduct first-in-human and Phase I studies under hospital-standard conditions, and is progressing towards accreditation by the National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency (NPRA). The Phase I Unit has been designed as a self-contained facility within UMMC, essentially operating as a “mini hospital” for research participants. It houses 10 clinical beds, including two observation rooms for intensive monitoring, and offers 24-hour medical oversight with seamless access to UMMC’s

Unlike many centres that focus primarily on healthy volunteers, the CIC Phase I Unit will emphasise patient-based first-in-human and Phase I studies, ensuring that Malaysians with serious or rare conditions can benefit from access to novel therapies earlier. The soft launch of the Phase I Unit marks the beginning of its journey. Once NPRA accreditation is secured, the facility will become fully operational and ready to host early-phase clinical trials in 2026. By placing this capability within a teaching hospital, UMMC will strengthen its dual role in advancing research and training future clinicians. Most importantly, the Phase I Unit gives patients the opportunity to access new therapies earlier and in a safe, closely monitored environment.

The unit also features an in-house pharmacy with controlled storage and dispensing that complies with NPRA and ICH-GCP standards, as well as a Class II Biological Safety Cabinet for sterile handling of cytotoxic and high-risk investigational products. Together with UMMC’s multidisciplinary expertise, this creates a unique “bench-to-bedside” ecosystem that advances scientific discovery while directly benefiting patient care. Beyond first-in-human and Phase I studies, the unit has also been designed to support selected Phase II trials, chemotherapy infusions, and the administration of cell and gene therapies, although manufacturing will not be conducted on-site. Oncology will serve as the flagship specialty for the Phase I Unit,

UMMC hospital director and consultant rehabilitation physician Prof Dr Nazirah Hasnan (left) and UMMC CIC head Prof Dr Lim Soo Kun unveil the Phase I Unit of the CIC.