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. 

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.  

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.

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. 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. 

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 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. 

For more info, visit www.fb.com/NewAntabax