In view of the increasing number of influenza cases in Malaysia, Antabax and KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital are working together on the Always Be Clean (ABC) for Health hygiene campaign, with the goal of raising awareness among Malaysians on hand hygiene.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia advises the public to practice high levels of personal hygiene, frequent hand washing with soap and water, or with hand sanitiser, observing correct sneezing and coughing etiquette, and following a healthy lifestyle[1].
According to Ms Vivian Lee, Senior Brand Manager of Antabax, keeping hands clean is one of the most important steps to avoid falling ill, and reducing the spread of communicable diseases to others.
“Antabax swung into action upon receiving alerts on the increase in influenza cases. We have been working with the relevant authorities to promote better hygiene habits for over a decade, and are glad to collaborate with KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital to educate the public on steps to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading communicable diseases such as influenza.”
Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention[2] show not washing hands harms children around the world. Handwashing with soap could protect almost 1 out of 5 young children with respiratory infections like pneumonia[3] . Although people around the world clean their hands with water, very few use soap to wash their hands. Washing hands with soap removes germs much more effectively [4].
About Influenza
Influenza is transmitted mainly by droplets disseminated by unprotected coughs and sneezes. Short-distance airborne transmission of influenza viruses may occur, particularly in crowded enclosed spaces. Hand contamination is another possible source of transmission[5].
Signs and Symptoms of Influenza
Signs and symptoms of influenza include temperatures higher than 38 degrees Celsius, prolonged lethargy or tiredness of up to two to three weeks, pronounced joint and muscle ache, dry cough, frequent sneezing, sore throat and headache[6]. Those showing these signs and symptoms should seek prompt medical treatment. High-risk groups include those above 65 years, pregnant mothers, those with chronic illnesses, respiratory illnesses and young children.
The Ministry of Health Malaysia also recommends the public, especially those from high risk groups to get seasonal flu vaccination.
According to Dr Muhamad Yazli Yuhana, Consultant Internal Medicine & Infectious Diseases of KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital, the hospital is treating more than 50 cases of influenza this week and feels that it is crucial to increase awareness on the disease and reduce the spread.
“The hospital is recording more cases as compared to the years before. We hope that through joint initiatives such as the Antabax ABC for Health, our community will learn to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their families. We need to be more proactive when it comes to taking vaccinations, ensuring hand hygiene, cough etiquette and getting prompt medical treatment, to reduce the spread of influenza,” said Dr Yazli who gave a public talk on ‘Influenza Outbreak: Reduce the Spread!”
The catchy Antabax hand hygiene song lifted the spirits of the children from the KPJ Ampang Puteri Specialist Hospital who joined the education and awareness program and helped them remember the correct steps for hand washing as demonstrated by nurses from the hospital’s infection control unit.
“The spread of communicable diseases such as influenza can be reduced when we work together. It is as important to keep from spreading the disease, as it is to keep from catching it. The key takeaway for everyone is that we should Always Be Clean at all times,” Ms Lee added.
The ABC for Health Campaign was developed by Antabax in 2018 to raise awareness among preschoolers and primary students. It has been rolled out to more than 6,000 students nationwide.
Be a part of the community and know more on Antabax latest campaigns and initiative by visiting Antabax official Facebook page at www.fb.com/NewAntabax or @antabax on Instagram.
[1] Kenyataan Akhbar KPK 4 Januari 2020 _ Makluman Pengurusan Pesakit Influenza di Kalangan Kanak-kanak http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/21/1285
[2] Washing hands prevents illnesses and spread of infections to others ~ https://www.cdc.gov/handwashing/why-handwashing.html
[3] Aiello AE, Coulborn RM, Perez V, Larson EL. Effect of hand hygiene on infectious disease risk in the community setting: a meta-analysis.external icon Am J Public Health. 2008;98(8):1372-81.
[4] Burton M, Cobb E, Donachie P, Judah G, Curtis V, Schmidt WP. The effect of handwashing with water or soap on bacterial contamination of hands.external icon Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2011 Jan;8(1):97-104.
[5] https://www.who.int/ith/diseases/si_iAh1n1/en/
[6] Kenyataan Akhbar KPK 4 Januari 2020 _ Makluman Pengurusan Pesakit Influenza di Kalangan Kanak-kanak http://www.moh.gov.my/index.php/database_stores/store_view_page/21/1285
