Surge in Flu Cases in Singapore Sparks Health Concerns

A significant increase in flu cases has been reported across Singapore, with some clinics experiencing up to a tenfold rise in infections in just two weeks. Healthcare professionals are linking this surge to recent weather fluctuations and a decline in preventive health measures such as vaccination and mask-wearing.

Flu Cases Skyrocket

At **Kingsway Medical Clinic**, the number of flu patients has jumped from an average of five to ten per week to over 50 in the last two weeks. Dr. Zhang Qi, a general practitioner at the clinic, described this as a “sustained and clear surge.” He noted that while occasional fluctuations in flu cases are common, the current increase is both rapid and unexpected.

The clinic, which has branches in Beauty World, Sengkang, and Braddell, has observed that many individuals have become complacent with preventive health practices as COVID-19 restrictions have eased. “People are becoming more careless, and the virus can spread more easily,” Dr. Zhang remarked.

Similarly, **DoctorAnywhere** has witnessed a 40 percent spike in flu cases over the past week across its physical clinics and teleconsultation services. The majority of these patients are young children presenting with flu symptoms and high fever. Dr. Ko Reyor, a lead hybrid care doctor at the facility, identified the recent wet weather as a potential contributing factor. He explained that during the rainy season, increased indoor gatherings can lead to higher contact rates, facilitating the spread of influenza viruses.

Growing Health Risks

**Chua Medical Clinic and Surgery** in Bukit Batok has also reported a 20 percent increase in influenza cases over the same period. Dr. Chua Guan Kiat, the clinic’s director, suggested that Singapore’s dense population and high traffic of people entering and leaving the country contribute to the city-state’s vulnerability to flu outbreaks.

The **Communicable Diseases Agency** has noted a rise in influenza infections since mid-August. While typical flu activity periods occur from December to March and May to August, there is currently no evidence indicating that these infections are more severe than usual. Nevertheless, healthcare professionals expect the number of cases to continue to rise as the flu season approaches.

Dr. Precelia Lam, a general practitioner at **Raffles Medical**, emphasized that Singapore’s status as a major global travel hub exposes the population to various flu strains from both hemispheres. To combat the rising flu cases, healthcare experts urge the public to adhere to basic health precautions. This includes maintaining proper hand hygiene, wearing masks in crowded settings, and getting vaccinated annually, particularly for high-risk groups such as children and the elderly. Dr. Lam stated, “These basic precautions have proven effective in preventing many airborne and respiratory illnesses.”

As flu cases increase, the importance of preventive measures cannot be overstated. The current rise highlights the need for public awareness and proactive health practices to mitigate the impact of respiratory illnesses in Singapore.