Influenza

Did you know?

Influenza (Flu) can be more severe than the common cold, and results in approximately 3-5 million cases of severe illness and up to 650,000 respiratory deaths worldwide.^1,2 Influenza is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs.³

In Singapore, flu may occur all year round, with 2 peaks that generally occur between December and February and from May to July.¹

Symptoms may take 1-4 days to develop from the time when a person gets exposed and infected with flu.³
*Not everyone with flu will have fever.³

How it spreads

Impact on health

Severe cases of influenza can lead to complications such as:¹

• Ear infection
• Pneumonia
• Bronchitis (inflammation of bronchial tubes of lungs)
• Sinusitis^[RT1] (inflammation of sinus)
• Meningitis (inflammation of lining covering the brain)

How can i protect myself?

Who is at risk?⁵

• Persons aged 65 years and above
• Children between 6 months to 59 months old (<5 years old)
• Children, adolescents and adults aged 5-64 years old with the following specific medical conditions or indications
  • Chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma;
  • Requires medical follow-up or hospitalisation due to chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal, neurologic, hepatic, or haematologic disorders;
  • Immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications, HIV or other immunodeficiencies);
  • Persons receiving Intermediate and Long Term Care (ILTC) services.
• Women at all stages of pregnancy
• Persons aged 18 years old and below receiving long-term aspirin therapy

 

Vaccination

• Vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu virus according to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).³
• Singapore’s National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS) recommends the influenza vaccination for all high-risk children and adolescents listed above.⁶
• Singapore’s National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) recommends the influenza vaccination for high-risk adults listed above.⁶
• Vaccination is also recommended for healthy individuals, especially those taking care of or staying with elderly, young children or high-risk patients.^1,7
• Singaporeans can use Medisave to fund their Influenza vaccination. Patients with complex chronic conditions will be able to use up to $700 per patient yearly, while other patients will be able to use up to $500 per patient yearly.⁸

Please consult your healthcare professional for more information on the disease and your eligibility for vaccine subsidy.

Everyday protection include:¹

• Washing your hands frequently with soap and water, especially before touching your eyes, nose, or mouth and after visiting the toilet.
• Using a serving spoon when sharing food.