Singapore sees uptick in flu cases, but no signs infections more severe than usual: CDA

Singapore is experiencing an increase in influenza cases, but there is no indication that infections are more severe than usual, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Tuesday (Sept 1).Data from the agency showed that number of patients who tested positive for influenza increased to 36.6 per cent in the week of Aug 16 to 22, compared to 24 per cent in the previous week.CDA data also showed that the current influenza positivity levels remain below the peak of 43.9 per cent recorded in January last year.The authority said its national surveillance data shows that seasonal influenza viruses circulate throughout the year, with periods of higher activity typically observed between May to August and December to March.”These bimodal peaks broadly coincide with the Northern and Southern Hemisphere winter periods, but their timing may vary from year to year due to factors such as international travel and population mixing patterns,” CDA added.Be personally and socially responsible Persons with mild acute respiratory infection symptoms should stay at home until their symptoms resolve, advised CDA.