In Singapore’s tropical climate, influenza (flu) can circulate year-round, constantly threatening public health. During this season, you may also hear an uptick in sniffles and coughs around you. While you might be tempted to dismiss the flu as a mere inconvenience, it can lead to serious complications, particularly for vulnerable individuals. 

Fortunately, there are effective ways to protect yourself and those around you. The solution: getting an influenza vaccine in Singapore. In this article, we’ll explore the importance of influenza prevention, and why it’s crucial, not just for your health, but for the well-being of your community.

Understanding Influenza (Flu)

What is influenza?

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses primarily spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing respiratory droplets containing the virus. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of people nearby, or they can be inhaled into the lungs.

Additionally, the virus can spread by touching a surface or object contaminated with influenza viruses and then touching your mouth, nose, or eyes. Close contact with an infected person, such as sharing utensils or living in the same household, also increases the risk of transmission.

Common symptoms

Flu symptoms typically include:

• Fever or feeling feverish/chills
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Muscle or body aches
• Headaches
• Fatigue

It’s important to note that not everyone with flu will experience all these symptoms, and the severity can vary from person to person.

Why is Influenza Dangerous?

Influenza can lead to severe complications, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly, young children, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic medical conditions. The flu virus can cause pneumonia, a serious lung infection that can be life-threatening if left untreated. It can also trigger sinus infections and ear infections, leading to discomfort and potential long-term complications.

In some cases, influenza can cause inflammation of the heart (myocarditis) or brain (encephalitis), which can be particularly dangerous for those with underlying health conditions. Additionally, the flu can exacerbate existing chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, potentially leading to hospitalisation or even death.

Available Influenza Vaccines in Singapore

There are several influenza vaccines available in Singapore, offering protection against different strains of the virus. The most common types are:

1. Quadrivalent Influenza Vaccine: This vaccine protects against four different influenza virus strains: two influenza A strains (H1N1 and H3N2) and two influenza B strains (Victoria lineage and Yamagata lineage). Although this vaccine provides a broader coverage, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the recommended vaccine strains vary based on region and season. 
2. Trivalent Influenza Vaccine: This vaccine protects against three different influenza virus strains – two influenza A strains and one influenza B strain. It is typically used when the quadrivalent vaccine is not available.

Each year, the influenza vaccine is updated to match the circulating viral strains. It is important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine the most suitable influenza vaccine for your age, health status, and risk factors.

Why is Influenza Vaccination Important in Singapore?

Widespread vaccination against influenza plays a crucial role in reducing the overall transmission of the virus within the community. When a significant portion of the population is immunized, it creates a protective barrier known as herd immunity. This phenomenon occurs when a sufficient number of individuals are immune to a disease, making it difficult for the virus to spread from person to person. As a result, the overall circulation of the influenza virus is diminished, effectively reducing the risk of infection for everyone, including those who cannot be vaccinated.

The influenza vaccine helps safeguard individuals with compromised immune systems or other medical conditions that prevent them from receiving certain vaccinations. These individuals, often referred to as immunocompromised, are at a higher risk of developing severe complications from influenza due to their weakened immune defenses. 

Hence, by vaccinating the general population, we create a protective barrier around these vulnerable groups, reducing their chances of exposure to the virus. This indirect protection is particularly crucial for immunocompromised individuals, helping to mitigate the potential for severe illness and hospitalisation.

 

Who Should Get the Influenza Vaccine?

But the question is, who are the individuals who should prioritise getting an influenza vaccine? Generally, the influenza vaccine is recommended for:

1. General Population

The influenza vaccine is recommended for all age groups, especially children aged six months and older. By getting vaccinated, you not only protect yourself from the potentially severe consequences of influenza, but also help prevent the spread of the virus to those around you, including vulnerable groups like young children, the elderly, and individuals with compromised immune systems. 

2. High-Risk Groups

Certain groups are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from influenza and should prioritize getting vaccinated:

• Individuals aged 65 and older, as their immune systems weaken with age, making them more susceptible to severe illness.
• Young children, especially those under 5 years old, as their immature immune systems are less equipped to fight off infections.
• Pregnant women, as influenza can pose risks to both the mother and the unborn child.
• People with chronic medical conditions like diabetes, heart disease, asthma, or weakened immune systems, as these conditions increase the likelihood of complications from influenza.

For these high-risk groups, getting an annual influenza vaccine is crucial to reduce the chances of hospitalisation, severe illness, and potentially life-threatening complications.

Precautions Before Getting Vaccinated

If you have any concerns or questions regarding the influenza vaccine, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized guidance based on your individual health history and circumstances. Open communication with your doctor or nurse is essential to ensuring a safe and effective vaccination process.

Informing Your Healthcare Provider

Before the vaccination appointment, it is essential to inform your healthcare provider of any allergies, previous adverse reactions to vaccines, or current health conditions you may have. This information will help ensure your safety and determine the most appropriate vaccination approach for you.

Certain contraindications, such as allergies to specific vaccine components like egg protein, may prevent you from receiving some types of influenza vaccines. Your healthcare provider will carefully review your medical history and guide the most suitable vaccine option for your circumstances.

Final Thoughts 

Protecting yourself and your loved ones against influenza is a crucial step in maintaining good health and preventing the spread of this potentially severe illness. By getting vaccinated annually, you not only safeguard your well-being but also contribute to the collective effort to reduce the burden of influenza on our communities.

Ready to take the next step towards protecting yourself and your loved ones? Make an appointment with Atlas Associates Clinic today and experience the peace of mind that comes with taking preventive action.