[:en]Influenza A Is The “NEW” Bug In Town
What is Influenza A?
Influenza A is a contagious respiratory viral infection that can cause major outbreaks and severe disease. In Singapore, Influenza occurs all year round with 2 peak flu seasons, one between December and February (during the Northern Hemisphere winter) and the other between May and July (during the Southern Hemisphere winter). Singapore is currently in the midst of a flu season with Influenza A as the dominant strain. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s bodily fluids such as with mucus or saliva released in a sneeze or cough, or touching a surface that is contaminated with the virus.
Symptoms
Influenza A can cause a sudden onset of symptoms and can vary from mild to severe:
Influenza A symptoms may resolve on their own. However, in people who are at high risk of flu complications such as the elderly, those who have chronic lung and heart disease or weakened immune systems, serious complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis and cardiac issues may occur.
Testing
The attending doctor will take a history and perform a clinical examination to assess your condition and determine whether there are any risk factors and/or complications.
Similar to the ART swab for covid, nasal swab rapid test kits are also available at Healthsprings Medical Clinics in Singapore to test for the presence of Influenza A and/or B. The results are usually out within 15-30 minutes.
Treatment
The doctor will likely prescribe plenty of rest and fluids for a speedy recovery. The doctor may also offer symptomatic treatment for a fever, sore throat, runny nose and cough to alleviate your discomfort.
Depending on your duration of illness, risk factors and/or complications, the doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu® (oseltamivir) to fight the flu and prevent it from spreading. The medication is most effective if given within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.
Treatment course is usually 5 days, and the medication may enable you to feel better faster and reduce the severity of symptoms. Common side effects of the Influenza antiviral drugs include nausea and vomiting. In rare cases, severe allergic reactions may occur.
Prevention
As the Influenza A virus mutates very fast, the best way to prevent the flu is through annual vaccinations. Here at Healthsprings Medical Clinic, we have the seasonal (Northern or Southern Hemisphere) Influenza vaccines available.
Other ways to prevent spreading this disease include:
Worried you might have Influenza A or interested to get the Influenza vaccination in Singapore? Come and visit us at Healthsprings Medical Clinic in Singapore for a formal assessment with one of our experienced doctors. We have 3 convenient outlets near you:
Orchard – Healthsprings Medical Associates
Address: 541 Orchard Road #10-02, Liat Towers Singapore 238881.
Contact Number: +65 9728 7793 / + 65 6734 5260
Bukit Panjang / Jelapang – Healthsprings Medical Clinic
Address: 524A, Greenridge Shopping Centre, #02-01, Jelapang Road, Singapore 671524
Contact Number: +65 8799 8936 / +65 6892 6681
Bidadari / Woodleigh – Healthsprings Medical & Laser Clinic
Address: 105A Bidadari Park Drive #01-9, Singapore 341105
Contact Number: +65 8616 6166 / +65 6970 7933[:]
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