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Dengue or Flu? Why the Dengue Vaccine Matters More Than You Think
By Alpro Pharmacy
June 5, 2025
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Every year in Malaysia, thousands fall sick thinking they just have the flu… until it gets worse.
High fever. Body aches. Fatigue. Sound familiar?
But here’s the catch: What you thought was flu… could be dengue fever.
And if you’ve had dengue once, a second infection can be far more dangerous.
What Is Dengue Fever?
Dengue fever is a mosquito-borne illness caused by the dengue virus. It’s common in Malaysia, especially during rainy seasons. The symptoms often mimic the flu, which is why many people don’t realize it until it’s serious.
Common Dengue Symptoms:
Most people think dengue feels like a bad flu—but these specific signs should raise concern:
- High fever (above 40°C) that doesn’t go away
- Severe headache, especially behind the eyes
- Intense joint and muscle pain (often called “breakbone fever”)
- Nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite
- Extreme fatigue or weakness, even after fever subsides
- Skin rash, typically appearing 2–5 days after fever begins
- Bleeding gums or nose
- Bruising easily or red/purple spots under the skin (signs of low platelet count)
- Sudden drop in blood pressure, dizziness, or fainting (possible severe dengue)
**If you or your child shows any bleeding, rashes, or intense fatigue, seek medical attention immediately.
Dengue vs Flu: Know the Difference
If your “flu” doesn’t get better in 2–3 days or comes with rashes or bleeding—get checked for dengue immediately.
Your Best Defence Against Dengue?
Vaccination + Smart Prevention
What Is the Dengue Vaccine, and How Does It Work?
The dengue vaccine available in Malaysia, known as Qdenga (TAK-003), is approved by the Ministry of Health for individuals aged 4 years and above — regardless of whether they have had dengue before.
It’s a 2-dose schedule taken 3 months apart, designed to protect against all 4 dengue serotypes.
How the Vaccine Helps:
- Builds immunity to multiple dengue virus strains (there are 4 dengue serotypes)
- Reduces risk of severe dengue in future infections
- Minimizes complications like internal bleeding, dangerously low platelets, or shock syndrome
- Lessens the need for hospitalization if reinfection occurs
- Gives peace of mind during high-risk outbreak seasons
This vaccine doesn’t just lower your chance of getting infected again—it protects you from developing life-threatening complications if you do.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Just like any vaccine, Qdenga may cause mild, short-term side effects, most of which are temporary:
Common side effects:
- Soreness, redness, or swelling at the injection site
- Low-grade fever
- Headache or tiredness
- Mild muscle or joint pain
Rare side effects are monitored closely by healthcare providers. It’s important to tell your family doctor if you have any serious allergies or health concerns before receiving the vaccine.
Why It’s Especially Important After Having Dengue
If you’ve had dengue before, your body’s immune system reacts differently to another dengue strain. This can trigger a stronger, sometimes dangerous immune response, leading to severe dengue.
The vaccine helps by:
- Teaching your immune system to handle all 4 dengue virus types safely
- Reducing the risk of complications during future infections
Dengue Vaccine Cost vs Dengue Hospitalization
Worried about the vaccine price? Let’s compare:
Prevention is always cheaper and safer than treatment.
Where Can I Get the Dengue Vaccine in Malaysia?
You can visit any Alpro Clinic or Alpro outlet nationwide. Our friendly healthcare professionals are ready to guide you through your eligibility and help you schedule your dengue vaccine with confidence.
