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?

The main flu symptoms are:

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?

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?

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.

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).

Asymptomatic patients may not display no symptoms of illness. Vulnerable people should get vaccinated against Influenza as the stop gap until the COVID vaccine is found. The Flu vaccine would protect susceptible people from, as well as exclude the Flu and H1N1 viruses should they start to show URTI or ARI symptoms.

- Latest Influenza Vaccine

The latest Influenza Vaccine is now available. It protects against the Flu and H1N1 Viruses. In the event that a person displays flu-like symptoms after the Flu vaccination, both Flu and H1N1 may be excluded in his diagnosis, and treatment can be sought quickly should the patient have contracted COVID-19.

Ministry of Health Safety protocols are adhered to at all times for the safe vaccination of you and your family.

* Latest COVID-19 Updates & Health Tips

* Importance of Keeping your Vaccinations Up-to-date

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Symptom Checker – How COVID-19 Compares with Other Illnesses

Information obtained from CDC & World Health Organization

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Do You Belong in any of the Flu High Risk Groups?

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 (Flu 2021/22) 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.

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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.

Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine in Singapore

Sinopharm COVID-19 Vaccine is now available @ MD International Medical Centre. Make a Vaccination or Booster Appointment at Tel: 6694 1661. Learn more about Sinopharm here.

Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV vaccine has now been approved for use by private clinics in Singapore against the COVID-19 virus under the Special Access Route. It is the first China-made vaccine to be approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

To date, more than a billion doses of the Sinopharm BBIBP-CorV have been administered. The vaccine has also been approved for use in over 50 countries around the world.

Inactivated vaccines are a tried-and-tested form of vaccine technology which is used in other well-established vaccines, such as the Flu and Hepatitis B vaccines.

If you would like to receive the Sinopharm vaccine or booster, please make your appointment at MD Int'l Medical Centre at Tel: 6694 1661.

Effects of COVID-19 on the Brain

mRNA Vaccines Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects (source: https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2778441)

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These other webpages below may also interest you, click to learn more about your health condition.

Eye & Ear Problems

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

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).

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

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How a Gluten-free Diet can Improve your Chronic Illnesses

Healthy Diets for Optimal Health

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Public Health Preparedness Clinic

National University Health System Primary Care Network

Singapore Ministry of Health Chronic Disease Management Programme (CDMP)

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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MDIMC Medical Team

Together, Being here for you.

Doing Our Best in the COVID-19 Pandemic!

“Do all the good you can,
By all the means you can,
In all the ways you can,
In all the places you can,
At all the times you can,
To all the people you can,
As long as ever you can.”
― John Wesley

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Get your Sinopharm Vaccine / Booster or Latest Flu Vaccine - Make your appointment at Tel: 6694 1661.

Risk Factors of COVID-19 Complications

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COVID-19 Singapore Public places visited by cases in the community

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COVID-19 : Country cases, Deaths, Recovered & Vaccinated

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For Medical Professionals

Learn from the China Experience on COVID-19 Prevention and Treatment

9 Taman Serasi #01-11, Botanic Gardens View

Tel : 65-6694-1661  Fax : 65-6694 1771

Email : contact@mdimc.sg

Clinic hours:

Monday to Friday: 9am-12.30pm / 2pm-6.30pm    Saturday: 9.30am-1pm

*Last registration is 30mins before the closing time

Closed on Sundays & Public Holidays

- Cashless service with most International Insurance companies and Insurance Medical cards are accepted

- Japanese & Mandarin-speaking Doctors and Medical staff

Please contact us at Tel: 6694 1661 to make an appointment.

OUR MEDICAL TEAM

Dr Don Lau – Medical Director

MBBS (Monash), B Med Sc (Hons) (Monash), Dip Pract Derm (Wales, UK)

Fujiwara Takanori

- Doctor of Chiropractic

The Chiropractic Association Singapore, Japan Chiropractic Register, American Chiropractic Association, California Chiropractic Association

Physiotherapy-trained NBCE The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners

Medical Conditions Treatable with Chiropractic:  

• Head & Neck – Neckaches/ Spondylosis/ Wry Neck/ Whiplash/ Headaches/ Migraine/ Facial Palsy
• Back – Back Strain/ Slipped Disc/ Scoliosis/ Sciatica/ Spondylosis/ Spondylolisthesis/ Spondylolysis
• Shoulder – Frozen Shoulder/ Rotator Cuff Tear/ Impingement Syndrome
• Elbow – Tennis Elbow/ Golf Elbow
• Hip / Knee – Anterior Knee Pain/ Runner’s Knee/ Meniscus Injury/ Ligament Injury
• Foot – Plantar Fasciitis/ Heel Pain/ Metatarsalgia
• Joint – Arthritis/ Cartilage Wear & Tear/ Osteoarthritis
• Ligament – Sprains/ ACL Laxity/ Ankle Sprain
• Muscle – Strains/ ITB Tightness/ Hamstring Tear
• Tendons – Tendonitis/ Repetitive Strain Injury/ Tendinopathy
• Sports Injuries
• Obesity – Exercise & Meal Planning 
• Post Operation/ Hospitalization
• Fibromyalgia

Dr Lee Sao Bing – Opthalmologist (in-house Specialist)

MBBS, MMed(Ophth), FRCSEd(Ophth), MD, FAMS

Dr Pang Yoke Teen – ENT (Visiting Consultant)

FRCS (ORL), FRCS(EDIN), (FRCSGLASG), FAMS, MBBS

MD International Medical Centre

Medical Services

• General Practice Family Medicine
• Minor Surgical Procedures / Laser Treatments
• Management of Chronic Diseases (Diabetes / Hypertension / Heart Disease / High Cholesterol Management)
• Chiropractic Pain Management (Joint pains, Knee Pain, Back Pain, Migraine, Sports Injuries)
• Chiropractic Shockwave Treatment / Deep Muscle Stimulator DMS Therapy
• Dermatology Treatments - Skin Problems (Eczema, Acne, Rash & Hives, Boils, Dermatitis, Pigmented or Dry Skin, Moles, Skin Tags, Corns & Calluses, Wart, Treatment of Insect Bites & Stings)
• Dermoscopy - Non-invasive Detection of Skin Cancer
• Allergies Test & Management / Treatment of Allergic Rhinitis / Asthma Management
• Vaccinations / Immunization (National Adult Immunisation Schedule / National Child Immunisation Schedule / Influenza)
• Infectious diseases & Virology (COVID-19, Dengue, Flu, Hepatitis B)
• Respiratory Medicine - Cough, Wheezing, Shortness of breath
• Eye Health / Ophthalmology (Conjunctivitis, Foreign body in the Eye)
  
• Ear Nose Throat / ENT Rhinoscopy (Nose Bleed-Epistaxis, Snoring & Sleep Apnoea, Vertigo & Dizziness, Removal of Ear Wax)
• Audiogram – Hearing test
• Personal Health (Stomach ache, Irritable Bowel Syndrome, Heartburn, Treatment of Gout)
• Elderly / Senior Health (Arthritis)
• Men's Health
• Women's Health (Osteoporosis, Heavy Periods, Breast lumps, Urinary Tract Infection, Anaemia, Tremors)
• Child Health & Nutrition / Paediatrics
• Travel Health (Vaccinations / Travellers' Diarrhoea)
• Health Assessment, Screening & Management / Blood tests
• Pre-Employment check-up / Work Permit / Employment Pass / Student Pass / Driving License Check-up
• Obesity / Weight control
• Neurological Disorders / Dementia Screening
• Depression / Anxiety Management
  
• Insomnia & Stress Management

Minor Surgical Procedures :

·       Injection for Supraspinatus or Bicipital Tendonitis / Epicondylitis / Trigger finger / Plantar Fasciitis

·       Tendon Sheath Injection

·       Excision of small Skin tumours / Lipomas / Nail bed / Ear lobe cysts / Meibomian cyst

·       Removal of Skin sutures / Skin tags / Sebaceous cysts / Various foreign bodies / Corneal foreign body

·       Liquid Nitrogen Therapy

·       Treatment of Plantar Warts / Calluses / Corns / Ganglions

·       Splinters under nails

·       Olecranon and Pre-patellar Bursitis

·       Ear syringing

·       Embedded earring stud