Selangor, 13 Feb 2025 – Although influenza – better known as flu – is a common illness that most people recover from without treatment, it can result in life-threatening or even deadly complications.
The recent passing of celebrity due to influenza-related pneumonia underlines the critical importance of timely diagnosis and treatment of respiratory infections.
Debunking Myths of Influenza and COVID-19
Myth #1: Influenza is just a severe cold.
✅Fact: Influenza can lead to severe illness and complications, particularly in high-risk groups. It is more severe than the common cold.
Myth #2: Once you've had the flu or COVID-19, you’re immune for life.
✅ Fact: Immunity after infection varies and can wane over time. Reinfections with new strains of influenza or COVID-19 variants are possible, which is why vaccination and booster doses are recommended.
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Myth #3: You cannot get the flu or COVID-19 after vaccination.
✅ Fact: Vaccination reduces the risk of severe illness but does not guarantee complete immunity.
Myth #4: You only need one flu shot in your lifetime.
✅ Fact: The flu virus mutates rapidly, so annual vaccinations are necessary to protect against the most prevalent strains each season.
Global Prevalence Insights
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal influenza affects approximately one billion individuals globally each year, with 3 to 5 million cases resulting in severe illness and 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths annually.
Key facts about Influenza (Seasonal)
- There are around a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, including 3–5 million cases of severe illness.
- It causes 290 000 to 650 000 respiratory deaths annually.
- Ninety-nine percent of deaths in children under 5 years of age with influenza-related lower respiratory tract infections are in developing countries.
- Symptoms begin 1–4 days after infection and usually last around a week.
Source: WHO, 3 October 2023
Recent data indicates that influenza activity remains elevated in many regions, including Europe, parts of North America, Central America, the Caribbean, and Asia.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ): Influenza A, Influenza B, and COVID-19
Q1: What are the common symptoms of COVID-19 and Flu A & Flu B?
All three viruses can cause similar symptoms, including fever, shortness of breath, fatigue, sore throat, runny rose. People may have varying levels of illness with both COVID-19 and influenza. Some may have no symptoms, mild symptoms or severe disease. Both influenza and COVID-19 can be fatal.
Q2: How are COVID-19 and influenza viruses transmitted?
Transmission occurs primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Close contact with infected individuals increases the risk of transmission.
Q3: How are COVID-19 and influenza viruses different?
- Treatments for COVID-19 and influenza are different.
The treatment options in use for COVID-19 at medical facilities include oxygen, corticosteroids, and IL6 receptor blockers for severely ill patients. Treatment for people with severe respiratory illness includes advanced respiratory support such as the use of ventilators. Several other treatment options for COVID-19 are currently in clinical trials.
Antiviral drugs for influenza can reduce severe complications and death, and they are especially important for high-risk groups. It’s important to remember that antibiotics are not effective against influenza or COVID-19 viruses.
People with mild symptoms of both diseases can usually be treated safely at home.
- Vaccines for COVID-19 and flu are different.
Vaccines developed for COVID-19 do not protect against influenza, and similarly, the flu vaccine does not protect against COVID-19. Follow the advice of your local authorities on getting the influenza and COVID-19 vaccine.
Q4: Who is at higher risk for severe illness from COVID-19 and Influenza?
While all age groups can be infected with both the COVID-19 virus and influenza virus, these people are at higher risk for severe disease and death from both COVID-19 and influenza:
older adults; people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as chronic cardiac, pulmonary, renal, metabolic, neurologic, liver or hematologic diseases); and
people with immunosuppressive conditions (such as HIV/AIDS, patients receiving chemotherapy or steroids, or malignancy)
Healthcare workers are at high risk of getting infected by COVID-19 and at high risk of getting infected by influenza.
Pregnant people and those who have recently given birth are at high risk for experiencing severe influenza and severe COVID-19.
The Turnkey Solution
Staying informed and utilizing reliable diagnostic tools are vital steps in managing the spread of respiratory infections.
Reszon ABC Combo Test – FLU A+B & COVID-19 Ag (Nasal Swab), a rapid test intended to simultaneously differentiate for COVID-19, Influenza A, and Influenza B antigen in a single nasal swab is ideal solution to support healthcare professionals in delivering timely and accurate diagnoses at point-of-care setting.
Key Features and Benefits
Three Results, One Swab
Perform using a single nasal swab to test for COVID-19, Flu A, and Flu B, making the qualitative screening process seamless, saving time in multiple sample collection and repeating assay for each test
Reliable Differential Diagnosis
Helps differentiate COVID-19 from Flu A and Flu B, supporting faster, more accurate treatment and clinical management decisions
Rapid Results in 15 Minutes
Results are ready at the point of care, enabling immediate treatment action
Enhanced Scalability
Suitable for high-throughput testing programs, enabling large scale deployment in clinical settings.
Know Sooner. Treat Faster.
With Reszon ABC Combo Test – FLU A+B & COVID-19 Ag (Nasal Swab), early and accurate detection is within reach to enable fast clinical decisions and improved treatment outcomes. In an era where timely intervention is critical, equip your healthcare team with the right tools to diagnose with confidence and provide the best care possible. Stay ahead of flu seasons—because every moment counts.
For more information, orders, or inquiries, contact our team at info@reszonics.com or visit our website at www.reszonics.com.
References:
- World Health Organization. (2023). Influenza (seasonal). Retrieved from who.int
- World Health Organization. (2025). Influenza updates. Retrieved from who.int
- World Health Organization. (2024). Similarities and differences between COVID-19 and Influenza. Retrieved from who.int
- Sarah Koh (2025) Taiwan actress Barbie Hsu’s shocking death: What is influenza, and how can it turn deadly? The Straits Times.
