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13 Oct 2004
Advice on Influenza Vaccination
Singaporeans travelling to the Northern Hemisphere during the winter season are advised to obtain the current influenza vaccine at least one to two weeks before departure. This is in anticipation of a surge in flu cases with the onset of winter in the Northern Hemisphere.
The Ministry of Health also advises the elderly aged 65 years or above, persons with chronic heart and lung diseases and persons with diabetes, who are at a higher risk of developing complications from influenza to get themselves vaccinated. The public can consult their family doctor for further advice on influenza vaccination.
Advice on Avian Influenza
The World Health Organisation has continued to report avian influenza (H5N1) outbreaks among poultry which affect human health, in several Asian countries.
As of 10 October 2004, Thailand has reported 16 human cases of avian influenza (H5N1) infection with 11 deaths, including 1 occasion of probable human-to-human transmission within a family cluster. Vietnam has reported 27 human cases with 20 deaths, while Malaysia has identified avian influenza (H5N1) virus in poultry in Kelantan, near the border with Thailand. No human infections have been detected in Malaysia.
On 6 October, Indonesia reported that avian influenza (H5N1) had resurfaced in central Java, affecting poultry. No human case of H5N1 infection has been reported.
There are currently no travel restrictions advised by the World Health Organisation for avian influenza. The Ministry of Health would like to advise persons travelling to areas affected by avian influenza outbreaks to:
Avoid contact with live poultry and birds;
Consume only poultry and eggs that have been thoroughly cooked;
Seek medical help promptly if influenza-like symptoms develop, such as fever, cough, sore throat, muscle aches and shortness of breath, and let the attending doctor know of any travel history to areas affected by avian influenza or if there has been exposure to live poultry or birds.