Influenza Vaccination in Singapore
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness that can quickly disrupt daily life and lead to severe complications, especially in vulnerable individuals.
Why Influenza Prevention is Essential for Families
Influenza is not just a minor inconvenience—it is a pervasive virus that can significantly strain families. For mothers, the stress of caring for unwell family members can be overwhelming, while the added burden of managing illness disrupts routines and impacts everyone at home.
Influenza can cause more than temporary discomfort—it can lead to serious health risks, particularly for pregnant women, older adults, children, and those with chronic conditions.
Influenza prevention goes beyond protecting immunity; it’s about creating an additional layer of defence to keep your family safe and thriving.
Symptoms and Complications of Influenza
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A person with influenza usually presents with the following symptoms:
- Fever
- Chills
- Headache
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Muscle aches
- General malaise and fatigue
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea (commonly seen in children).
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Most cases of influenza are self-limiting. However, influenza can lead to severe complications such as:
- Pneumonia
- Myocarditis (inflammation of the heart)
- Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
- Sepsis
- Death
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The following people are at higher risk for complications related to influenza infection:
- Individuals aged 65 years or older
- Children aged 6 months to five years old
- Children and adolescents aged 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy (at risk for developing Reye’s syndrome after influenza infection)
- Adults and kids with chronic pulmonary or cardiovascular disorders
- Individuals who have chronic metabolic diseases, renal, neurologic, hepatic, or hematologic disorders
- Adults and children with immunosuppression
Pregnant women
Recognising symptoms early and seeking medical advice is crucial for protecting yourself and those you love.
What Should I Do If I Have Influenza?
If you develop flu symptoms, early treatment is key to recovery. Here’s what you should do:
- Rest and Hydrate: Prioritise rest and drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Seek Medical Advice: Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir, can reduce the severity and duration of the illness if taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any worsening symptoms (e.g. difficulty breathing or chest pain) and seek immediate medical attention if necessary.
Are you facing influenza symptoms? Our team is here to provide guidance and treatment to help you recover quickly and minimise complications.
How Does Influenza Spread?
Influenza spreads mainly through respiratory droplets and secretions released during coughing and sneezing. The virus can also circulate when a person touches a contaminated surface (e.g. doorknob, utensils) and then touches their nose or mouth.
Key facts about influenza transmission include | |
|---|---|
Incubation Period | Contagious Period |
1 to 4 days | Infected persons may be contagious from 1 day before the onset of symptoms and until 5 to 7 days after. |
Taking the simple preventive step of influenza vaccination can go a long way in protecting yourself and your loved ones and reducing influenza transmission.
Influenza Vaccination: Your First Line of Defence
Annual influenza vaccination is key for creating extra protection against the flu. Here’s why:
Protection Against Multiple Strains
The flu virus continually evolves, and updated vaccines provide targeted protection.
Lesser Symptoms
Even if you contract influenza, being vaccinated can significantly reduce the severity and duration of your symptoms.
Community Immunity
By getting vaccinated, you help protect vulnerable individuals around you, such as infants and the elderly.
At Prologue LMC, our doctors offer influenza vaccines in a comfortable and supportive environment. We also provide consultations to answer any questions you may have about vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Are There Side Effects From Influenza Vaccination?
After receiving the influenza vaccine, it’s common to experience mild side effects, which typically resolve independently within a few days. These may include:
- Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site: This will revolve on its own.
- Headache, muscle aches, or fatigue: Some individuals may experience these symptoms shortly after vaccination.
- Mild fever: A slight increase in body temperature can occur as your body builds immunity.
In rare instances, severe allergic reactions may occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Swelling of the face, eyes, lips, or tongue
- Difficulty breathing
- Widespread itchy rashes or hives
The influenza vaccine is safe, and most side effects are mild and short-lived. If you experience severe symptoms, please seek medical attention as soon as possible.
If you have any concerns or questions about the vaccine, we’re here to listen and guide you with care—your well-being is our top priority.
Other Preventive Measures for Influenza
While vaccination is the cornerstone of influenza prevention, it is just one of many layers of protection against the highly contagious virus:
- Hygiene Practices: Regularly wash your hands with soap, especially before handling food, eating, going to the toilet, or if your hands are dirty from coughing or sneezing. If water is unavailable, use an alcohol-based hand sanitiser
- Cover Your Mouth: Use a tissue when coughing or sneezing and dispose of it immediately. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands.
- Avoid Sharing: Refrain from sharing food, drinks, or eating utensils with others.
- Wear a Mask: If you are unwell, wear a mask and seek medical attention promptly to prevent spreading the virus.
- Disinfect Surfaces: Clean commonly touched areas such as doorknobs, mobile phones, and tables to minimise virus spread.
When paired with the flu vaccine, these small but impactful habits create a multi-layered defence against influenza, protecting you and those you love the most.
Who Should Get Vaccinated?
The influenza vaccine is recommended for everyone, but especially for high-risk groups.
Influenza vaccination is recommended for:
- Pregnant Women: To protect both mother and baby.
- Older Adults (65 and Above): Due to a higher risk of complications.
- Children (6 Months and Older): Particularly those attending daycare or school.
- Individuals with Chronic Conditions: Such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease.
- Healthcare Workers and Caregivers: To protect themselves and those they care for.
If you’re unsure whether the influenza vaccine is right for you, consult with our doctors for personalised advice.
When paired with the flu vaccine, these small but impactful habits create a multi-layered defence against influenza, protecting you and those you love the most.
Stay Safe From Influenza
As a CHAS-accredited family medicine clinic and part of the Healthier SG initiative and Screen for Life programme, we’re dedicated to empowering you with the care and support you need to live healthier lives.
Influenza vaccination is highly subsidised for eligible Singaporeans at CHAS GP clinics, making protection more accessible. Feel free to check online or contact us for more information—we’re here to help you every step of the way.
FAQ
What is influenza?
Influenza, or the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the nose, throat, and lungs and can lead to complications.
How is the flu different from the common cold?
The flu, or influenza, usually has a sudden onset of more severe symptoms, including high fever, chills, and body aches, while colds tend to develop gradually with milder symptoms.
Can the influenza vaccine give me the flu?
No, it cannot. The flu vaccine contains inactivated or weakened viruses that cannot cause illness.
Can the influenza vaccine give me thWhen is the best time to get vaccinated?e flu?
In Singapore, influenza activity typically peaks twice yearly: from April to July and November to January.
It’s advisable to get vaccinated before these periods, ideally between March and April for the first peak and between October and November for the second.
Annual flu vaccination is recommended for optimal protection as flu viruses continually evolve.
How effective is the influenza vaccine?
While no vaccine guarantees 100% protection, the flu vaccine greatly lowers the risk of infection and severe illness.
What should I do if I experience side effects from the vaccine?
Mild side effects such as soreness usually resolve on their own. Consult a doctor immediately if your symptoms worsen or persist.
Can I get vaccinated if I'm pregnant?
Yes, the flu vaccine is safe and highly recommended for pregnant women.
How often should I get the flu vaccine?
An annual flu vaccination is recommended as flu viruses are constantly evolving and the body’s immunity to influenza viruses may wane over time
Can children under six months receive the flu vaccine?
No, but caregivers and family members should be vaccinated to protect infants from exposure.
What should I do if I suspect I have the flu?
Rest, hydrate, and consult a doctor if symptoms worsen or persist beyond a week.