Keeping track of your health is important, here is why.

Influenza

Singapore sits near the equator and as a result we do not have the four seasons – we are in a constant state of hot and humid, and humid and hot. However that does not mean we do not have our very own special seasons. No, I am not referring to the pesky monsoon season that dampens our outdoor plans (pun intended), but the lesser known and potentially dangerous flu season.

What exactly is influenza (flu)?
In Singapore, many people tend to incorrectly refer to having a runny nose as “having flu”. However this is inaccurate. Flu is not a symptom but actually a type of illness.
Influenza or flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It can affect the nose, throat and lungs. For the young, elderly or immunocompromised, an infection could result in serious complications that can be life threatening.
Flu season in Singapore correlates with winter in the Northern Hemisphere (between December – February) and winter in the Southern Hemisphere (May – July).

Flu vs common cold
Influenza can present with fever, runny or stuffy nose, cough, sore throat, body aches, headaches or even vomiting and diarrhoea. You may have the flu but not necessarily have every symptom. Similarly you may have the same symptoms but not have the flu. Your doctor can diagnose you with a simple nasal swab done in the clinic.
The common cold is similar to influenza in that it is also a respiratory illness but it is caused by different viruses. However unlike its counterpart, the common cold does not usually cause serious health complications.
This table taken from the CDC website is a good breakdown on the common differences.

Treatment
If you have influenza, you should start on antiviral medications within 1-2 days of your symptoms starting. An antiviral medication that is commonly prescribed is oseltamivir (also known as tamiflu). Early treatment has been shown to reduce the severity and duration of your illness. This treatment can be given in both children and adults.

Influenza vaccine
Prior to each flu season, a new vaccine will be released to cover for the new circulating strains that season. 2 vaccines will be released each year – 1 for the northern hemisphere, 1 for the southern hemisphere. Ensuring that you are up to date with your flu vaccine is important. Vaccination helps reduce your risk of influenza and its potential complications. If you were to fall ill with influenza despite getting your flu vaccine, your illness is also likely to be less severe.
Book an appointment with one of our friendly doctors at Cavenagh Medical if you think you could be down with the flu or if you would like to find out more on flu prevention.