Flu situation here stable: Singapore Ministry of Health

Flu situation here stable: Singapore Ministry of Health
By ARTHUR SIM AND JOANNE CHIEW

THE Ministry of Health (MOH) said yesterday that the influenza situation in Singapore is stable, and no significant increase in acute respiratory infections (ARIs) has been reported in polyclinics. MOH advises there is no need for S’poreans to rush to get themselves vaccinated. This update comes amid fears that the outbreak of influenza in Hong Kong, which has already claimed three lives, could be caused by avian flu and Sars.

But Hong Kong authorities have already ruled them out as causes of the deaths.

MOH said it is working closely with the territory’s health officials in monitoring the situation there.
According to MOH, ongoing surveillance in Singapore shows that the number of attendances at emergency departments and hospital admissions for ARIs and pneumonia has not risen.

The percentage of influenza viruses isolated from patients with flu-like illnesses has also not risen, remaining low at the usual 5 per cent.

Nonetheless, MOH and healthcare institutions will continue to remain vigilant.

Singapore’s peak for ARIs extends to March every year. The ministry reminds Singaporeans to keep a high standard of personal hygiene and avoid crowded places with poor ventilation, especially for those travelling to places experiencing increased influenza activity such as Hong Kong.

MOH advises that there is no need for Singaporeans to rush to get themselves vaccinated against the flu.

However, those in the vulnerable group for influenza complications, such as older adults aged 65 and above, persons with underlying health conditions and young children under five years of age, should undergo routine annual flu vaccinations. Some Singaporeans have nevertheless decided to postpone their trips to Hong Kong.

SA Tours manager (marketing & communications) Ruth Lim said: ‘We have concerned passengers who have postponed their travel plans for this week to next week to observe the situation first.

‘Others are consulting family members on rescheduling travel dates.’

Dynasty Travel manager (marketing communications) Fern Sim said that it had not seen any cancellations.
However, even if there were, Ms Sim explained that full refunds are not likely because neither the Hong Kong or Singapore governments have issued health or travel warnings.

In Hong Kong, the Secretary for Food & Health, York Chow, did announce yesterday that all kindergartens, childcare centres and primary schools would be closed for two weeks.

The statement released by the Hong Kong government added that the flu season has contributed to a 16 per cent increase in admissions to medical wards and a 60-70 per cent increase in paediatric wards.Source : Business Times - 14 March 2008

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