Influenza- Monthly Update (Jan 2004)

09 Jan 2004

Influenza in temperate countries

Temperate countries in the Northern hemisphere (e.g. the United States of America, Norway, Switzerland, and countries in Central and Eastern Europe) have continued to report increased influenza activity, although in countries in Western Europe (the UK, Spain, Belgium, France) influenza activity appears to have peaked and is on the decline.

The most common strain of influenza virus isolated in Europe and the United States continues to be the influenza A Fujian variant.

Situation in Singapore

The average weekly attendance figure for acute respiratory infections at the polyclinics for December 2003 is about 5% higher than that for November 2003. This figure however is below the peak seen in October 2003 (See Table 1 and Chart 1). Chart 1 shows the weekly outpatient attendances for acute respiratory infections at polyclinics for the years 1999 to 2003. Acute respiratory infections are seen throughout the year, although there are generally 2 peaks in infections, seen in April/May and November/December of each year.

The common influenza strains isolated in Dec 2003 were Influenza A Moscow and Panama strains.

Ministry's Advice

Vaccination

The Ministry of Health would like to encourage travelers, both adults and children 6 months and older, going to temperate countries in the Northern Hemisphere to protect themselves against the disease with influenza vaccination. The vaccination should be taken at least 1 to 2 weeks prior to departure as it takes time for the vaccination to take effect. (Children younger than 9 years old will require 2 vaccinations at least 4 weeks apart; the second vaccination should be taken at least 1 week prior to departure.) Influenza vaccination is available at the travel clinics in Tan Tock Seng Hospital, National University Hospital, Kandang Kerbau Women's and Children's Hospital and Changi General Hospital, polyclinics and General Practitioners.

The current influenza vaccine composition will give good protection against the Moscow strain. It may not fully protect against the Fujian strain, but will offer some protection. Immunized persons may still come down with some symptoms if they are exposed and infected by the Fujian strain, but the severity and duration of the disease will be lessened.

Persons who are at higher risk of developing complications from influenza are also advised to get themselves vaccinated against influenza. A list of persons who may be at higher risk of developing complications from influenza is listed as Annex A. The public should consult their family doctor for further advice on influenza vaccination.

There are other common viruses that can cause acute respiratory infections. The influenza vaccination will not protect against these viruses. Persons who have been vaccinated may hence still come down with acute respiratory infections.

How to combat influenza

People can build up their body resistance to influenza by having a proper diet with adequate exercise and rest. Hygienic practices such as hand washing may help to reduce the risk of being infected, especially after contact with persons who may have the flu, and after handling soiled tissue and other material.

People who develop influenza-like symptoms are advised not to go to work or school and avoid crowded places to minimize the transmission of the infection to others. They should also cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. They should increase fluid intake (water, juice, soups etc.) and get plenty of rest for the 7 to 10 days that symptoms might continue. Strenuous physical activities like running and jogging, and smoking and alcohol should also be avoided during the illness until complete recovery.

Persons who are at risk of complications from influenza infection should consult their family doctor if they have symptoms of influenza. A list of persons who are at increased risk of complications from influenza infections is shown in Annex A.

You can also view the answers to Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQs) on influenza infection and vaccination  or view the FAQs on influenza for doctors.