SINGAPORE: There has been an increase in the number of influenza cases observed in Singapore, but no indication to suggest that infections are more severe than usual, said the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) on Sept 1.
The positivity rate among influenza-like samples in the community has increased to 36.6 per cent in the week of Aug 16 to 22, up from 24 per cent the previous week, said the CDA in a media statement. The positivity levels remain below the 2025 peak of 43.9 per cent in January 2025, however.
Influenza positivity levels represent the percentage of community swab samples that test positive for the influenza virus.
Seasonal influenza viruses circulate through the year, with peak periods typically observed in May to August and December and March, the CDA said, citing national surveillance data.
Common symptoms include fever, headaches, coughs, sore throats and the chills or general fatigue.
According to the CDA, influenza spreads mainly through respiratory droplets or tiny particles released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks or sings. Other people can breathe in these droplets and particles, or these droplets and particles can land on others’ eyes, noses or mouths.
Those at a higher risk of developing severe influenza infections should get their vaccine jabs at least once a year, the agency said. This group includes people aged 65 and above, children aged six months to five years old, and people with underlying medical conditions.
People with mild symptoms of acute respiratory infections should stay at home until they no longer show those symptoms.
If they need to go out, they should minimise social interactions, wear a mask, avoid crowded places or meeting medically vulnerable persons. - ST/ANN
