This article has been migrated from an earlier version of the site and may display formatting inconsistencies.
25 Oct 2005
Advice on Influenza Vaccination
The Ministry of Health advises the elderly aged 65 years or above, persons with chronic heart and lung diseases and persons with diabetes or renal diseases, who are at a higher risk of developing complications from influenza to get themselves vaccinated. Children and teenagers aged 6 months to 18 years who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy are also encouraged to be vaccinated.
Singaporeans travelling to the Northern Hemisphere during the winter season are also 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 public can consult their family doctor for further advice on influenza vaccination. The vaccine against human influenza is available at polyclinics, general practitioners' clinics and traveler's clinics.
Advice on Avian Influenza
In light of countries in Asia (Indonesia, Thailand, Vietnam and China) and Europe (Turkey, Romania, Greece, Russia) reporting influenza A/H5N1 outbreaks among poultry, MOH wishes to remind travelers to areas affected by avian influenza to avoid contact with poultry such as chickens, geese, ducks, pigeons, and wild birds. Places such as commercial or backyard poultry farms and markets selling live birds should be avoided. In addition, travelers should avoid handling or eating raw or undercooked poultry or foods containing uncooked poultry (including eggs). There is no evidence that properly cooked poultry or poultry products can be a source of infection. Travelers are also advised to seek medical attention early if they develop flu-like symptoms i.e. fever, body aches, sore throat, cough and runny nose.
On whether travelers to areas experiencing outbreaks of avian flu should take anti-viral drugs such as Tamiflu or Relenza as a form of protection, MOH advises that this is not necessary. Human infections are rare and this remains primarily a disease affecting birds. There is currently no evidence of human-to-human transmission. You can protect yourself and your loved ones by avoiding contacts with poultry and observing basic personal hygiene.
MOH cautions against indiscriminate use of anti-viral drugs as this may lead to increased resistance of avian influenza viruses to the drug. This is a serious public health concern given the limited treatment options available. Consequently, we are not recommending individuals to stock up on anti-viral drugs.
What public can do to prevent the spread of infectious diseases
On the preventive front, MOH strongly encourages the public to adopt good hygiene practices such as washing hands thoroughly and often, using a serving spoon when sharing food, not spitting on the floor, covering nose and mouth with a tissue when coughing or sneezing and wearing masks when unwell. Those who have flu-like symptoms are advised to seek medical help promptly, and inform the doctors of their travel history.