Health Authorities Warn of Increased Cases Amid Year-End Travel and Festivities
The flu season has made a significant return in Singapore, with doctors reporting a rise in respiratory infections, some of which have increased by up to 20%. At the same time, global health authorities have raised alarms about a potential “tripledemic” this winter, with concurrent outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
Local clinics are experiencing a surge in patient visits, as many prepare for the year-end festivities and an expected wave of COVID-19 cases, driven by increased travel. Fullerton Health, a healthcare network with approximately 30 clinics across Singapore, has seen flu cases nearly double in recent months. Dr Ethan Lim, medical director at Fullerton Health, explained that younger children and the elderly, who have had limited exposure to flu viruses in recent years, are particularly vulnerable to more severe symptoms when they are finally exposed.
“The immunity in these groups has weakened over the past two years, and when they are hit by the flu virus, the symptoms can be much more severe,” Dr Lim noted, stressing the concerns for these high-risk groups.
Similarly, Healthway Medical, which operates 50 clinics, has been preparing for an influx of patients by stockpiling essential medications for treating coughs, colds, and fever. Dr Teo Cheng Rong, a family physician at Healthway Medical, mentioned that while the demand for flu-related medication is always high during the seasonal period, the clinic has taken extra measures to ensure that it can cope with the surge in cases.
Challenges with medical supplies have been reported, with some shortages attributed to global supply chain issues. “We try to buffer our stock supplies, sometimes sourcing alternative medications when specific brands are unavailable,” Dr Teo explained.
In response to the flu season, flu vaccinations are also in high demand. Phoenix Medical has reported a significant increase in flu shot administration, with around 100 vaccinations given weekly, compared to just 20 to 30 in previous years. This surge in demand is largely attributed to the reopening of borders, which has led many travellers to seek flu shots before heading abroad.
Dr Chua Hshan Cher, medical director at Phoenix Medical, noted, “With the borders reopening, more travellers are keen to receive their flu vaccinations prior to travel.”
Experts also emphasise the importance of travellers maintaining good hygiene practices and wearing masks, especially when visiting colder countries where the flu virus is active. Associate Professor Yvonne Su of the Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School warned that travellers returning from such destinations may inadvertently spread the virus to vulnerable populations back home in Singapore.
