What is Influenza?

Influenza usually called flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a virus, which is a tiny germ that cannot be seen even under an ordinary microscope. There are several kinds of influenza virus, and they seem to keep changing just when we seem to be immune to them. However, they all produce a similar illness.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF INFLUENZA? 流感的症状是什么？

The main flu symptoms are / 流感的主要症状是：

1. Fever

2. Headache

3. Muscle aches and pains

These may be followed by a sore throat, a cough and a running nose.

HOW IS FLU CAUGHT?

Influenza usually comes in epidemics, when it spreads from person to another in the spray from coughs and sneezes, called droplet infection. The virus enters the nose or throat and may spread to the lungs. It is extremely infectious.

HOW IS FLU DIFFERENT FROM THE COMMON COLD?

流感与普通感冒有何不同？

Many people refer to the common cold, which is more common, as the flu, but influenza is a more serious respiratory infection that usually makes the victim sick enough to go to bed. Flu tends to go to the chest and makes the whole body ache; the common cold usually only affects the upper respiratory passages, causing a runny nose, sneezing and a sore throat.

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WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF INFLUENZA?

The main risk of influenza is that the infection may spread to the lungs, causing bronchitis or, worse still, pneumonia. Such complications are rare, and are more likely to occur in people with poor health, especially those with a chest complaint, in the elderly and in heavy smokers.

Although influenza makes people quite ill, it is usually not dangerous. Feeling depressed after the flu is a common problem.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT FOR INFLUENZA?

Like any viral infection, influenza must run its course. Symptoms can be eased and complications prevented by proper care and common sense.SELF- HELP

Rest- just as a broken leg needs rest, so does the body overcome by flu. Go to bed as soon as the symptoms begin and stay there until you feel better and the fever goes away.
Analgesic- pain killers such as codeine compound tablets are more effective than aspirin at relieving symptoms, especially cough and aching. However, the choice is an individual preference as some people respond well to aspirin, adults only, or paracetamol alone. Make sure you are not allergic to the particular analgesic.
Fluids- you lose a lot of body fluid, especially with a fever, so drink as much water and fruit juice as possible, at least 8 glasses a day.
Special remedies- any remedy that makes you feel comfortable is good. Freshly squeezed lemon juice mixed with honey is very good. Some people find a nip of brandy or whisky with fruit juice is soothing.

The flu will lasts usually 3-4 days, sometimes longer. Consult your doctor only if you are concerned about complications. There is not specific treatment for flu, and routine antibiotics are not helpful. They are reserve for complications. Some people find that taking 1-2 grams of vitamin C each day helps recovery.

WHAT ABOUT FLU PREVENTION? 预防流感怎么样？

The influenza vaccine appears to help some people, but vaccinations cannot guarantee total immunity as the strain that sets off the epidemic may be new. Vaccination is worthwhile for patients at risk: diabetics, those over 65 years, and those whose occupation, working with crowds or sick patients, puts them at risk in an epidemic.

Up to $400 per Medisave Account per year can be used for Vaccinations under the National Adult & Childhood Immunisation Schedule - Influenza, Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) and Chickenpox (Varicella)

Part of the National Influenza Sentinel Surveillance programme with MOH. If you have a fever of > 38 degrees with a cough, our clinic is able to test for COVID-19. For children below 12 years old with clinical diagnosis of HFMD (eg fever, oral ulcers, rash), our clinic can test for Hand Foot & Mouth Disease (The tests are for surveillance purposes only).

Latest Influenza Vaccine

Asymptomatic patients may display no symptoms of illness. Vulnerable people should get vaccinated against Influenza which protects susceptible people from, as well as exclude the Flu and H1N1 viruses should they start to show URTI or ARI symptoms.

a. Vaccination decreases the risk of co-infection with COVID-19.

b. Vaccination reduces the burden of respiratory illnesses in the healthcare system.

The latest Influenza Vaccine is now available. It protects against the Flu and H1N1 Viruses. Ministry of Health Safety protocols are adhered to at all times for the safe vaccination of you and your family.

* Importance of Keeping your Vaccinations Up-to-date

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Co-infection of COVID-19 with other infectious diseases is possible

Reduce your risk of getting sick with COVID-19

Make sure your vaccinations are up-to-date. People older than 65 years, and those with many underlying conditions, such as those who are immunocompromised or with significant liver disease, are recommended to receive vaccinations against Influenza and pneumococcal disease (PCV). Click here for Vaccination schedules (NAIS/NCIS).
Do not delay getting medical care for your underlying condition because of COVID-19. MD International Medical Centre has contingency MOH infection prevention protocols to protect you from getting COVID-19 if you need care for your underlying condition.
Continue your medications and do not change your treatment plan without talking to your doctor.
Make sure that you have at least a two-week supply of your chronic disease medications.
Call MDIMC @ Tel: 6694 1661 for a medical appointment if you have any concerns about your underlying medical conditions or if you get sick. Our clinic is a PHPC-accredited medical clinic. Under the MOH Swab & Go Home programme, our doctors can do a COVID-19 PCR Swab test if you meet the MOH medical crtieria.

Laurie Garrett: What can we learn from the 1918 flu?

In 2007, as the world worried about a possible avian flu epidemic, Laurie Garrett, author of "The Coming Plague," gave this powerful talk to a small TED University audience. Her insights from past pandemics are suddenly more relevant than ever.

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NAIS & NCIS - Singapore is free from vaccine-preventable diseases like poliomyelitis, diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis (whooping cough) because of our successful immunisation progamme.

National Adult Immunisation Schedule (NAIS) Singapore @ MD International Medical Centre. Make your vaccination appointment at Tel: 6694 1661.

Up to $400 per Medisave Account per year can be used for Vaccinations under the National Adult & Childhood Immunisation Schedule - Influenza, Pneumococcal (PCV13/PPSV), Human Papillomavirus (HPV2/HPV4), Hepatitis B, Tetanus, Diphtheria & Pertussis (Tdap), Measles, Mumps & Rubella (MMR) and Chickenpox (Varicella).

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The information provided in this website is for knowledge purposes only. It does not constitute medical advice.

Should you encounter any medical problem that you are unsure of, always consult your doctor or health care provider for assistance and medical advice.

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