INFLUENZA A, which was the source of concern among Malaysians prior to the novel coronavirus (nCov2019) outbreak, has seen a decline in the number of cases, said Deputy Health Minister Dr Lee Boon Chye.

“We had 118 outbreaks of influenza A just in the first two weeks of 2020 but over the past one week, there was only one case,” Lee told The Malaysian Insight.

“Consultations at our outpatient clinics for influenza-like illnesses is only 1.85% of (the) total number of outpatients, (which is) far less than the 5% threshold level set as a warning sign of an epidemic,” he said.

The number of outpatient cases for flu or influenza has also reduced.

While influenza happens all year along, there is usually a spike between July and September or during year-end.

The same had happened last December, which led to a spike in demand for vaccines.

The Malaysian Insight reported on January 19 that private hospitals were struggling to meet the demand for influenza A vaccines as more people sought immunisation amid the flu outbreak.

This forced some private health facilities to source supply from overseas as stocks were depleted.

Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said last month that around 100,000 doses of the vaccine will arrive in January and another 100,000 doses this month.

Lee said the stock will still be needed throughout the year unless the type of influenza virus causing the epidemic changes.

Lee also said concerns have since shifted towards the novel coronavirus, which has claimed more than 420 lives and infected some 17,000.

“Yes. People are more concerned about nCoV19. I believe people are taking necessary precautions, especially by frequent hand washing or using sanitisers.”

Malaysian Medical Association president Dr N. Ganabaskaran said there are still influenza cases at general practitioner (GP) clinics.

Vaccines are still on demand, especially among high-risk groups, he said.

“We are still getting numerous reports from GPs with allegations that private hospitals are still prioritised over GP clinics for the supply of vaccines.

“We hope this isn’t the case as we have highlighted this issue only recently in the media. We appeal for more transparency with regard to this issue.

“The main suppliers now have a backlog of orders to fulfil due to the high demand. It is hoped that delivery of these stocks can be sped up,” Ganabaskaran told The Malaysian Insight.

Influenza vaccines are only provided to frontline healthcare workers and those with chronic diseases at government healthcare facilities. The public can get their shots at private healthcare facilities.

Ganabaskaran said GPs should be prioritised for the supply of vaccines as clinics offer quicker and more convenient access for the public.

“Charges for the vaccinations are also more reasonable as compared to private hospitals.”

He also said public concern is now on the coronavirus as updates on the epidemic are being reported by the media daily and also due to the World Health Organisation declaring a global health emergency on the new strain of virus.

There have been no new nCoV19 cases in Malaysia since last Friday.

In Malaysia, the number of positive cases remain at eight while the total number of patients-under-investigation (PUI) stand at 192.

Out of the number, 105 of them are Malaysians while 82 are Chinese nationals, with one each from Australia, South Korea, Jordan, Brazil and Thailand.

An AirAsia flight bringing Malaysians and non-citizen family members home from coronavirus-hit Wuhan landed at KLIA at 5.57am today.. – February 4, 2020.