Influenza activity has increased in Singapore, with the proportion of community influenza-like-illness samples testing positive for the virus rising sharply within a week.
The positivity rate reached 36.6% for the week of 16 to 22 August, up from 24% in the previous week, the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) said on Tuesday, 1 September.
Importantly, this does not mean Singapore is experiencing a flu outbreak. CDA said it is monitoring the situation and there is currently no indication that influenza infections are more severe than usual.
Current Rate Still Below January 2025 Peak
Despite the recent increase, the 36.6% positivity rate remains below the 43.9% peak recorded in January 2025.
The positivity figure refers to the proportion of influenza-like-illness samples collected in the community that test positive for influenza. It is not the percentage of Singapore’s population that has the flu.
Seasonal influenza viruses circulate throughout the year in Singapore. According to CDA, higher levels of influenza activity are typically seen from May to August and again from December to March.
The timing can vary from year to year, with factors such as international travel and population movement affecting how the virus spreads.
Higher-Risk Groups Encouraged to Get Vaccinated
CDA recommends that people at greater risk of developing severe influenza receive a flu vaccination at least once a year.
They include people aged 65 and above, children aged six months to five years, and people with underlying medical conditions.
Influenza vaccinations are available at participating CHAS GP clinics and polyclinics. Eligible adults aged 18 and above may also get vaccinated at participating retail pharmacies under the Ministry of Health’s Community Pharmacist Influenza Vaccination Sandbox.
Healthier SG residents can arrange their vaccinations through their enrolled clinics.
People experiencing mild symptoms of an acute respiratory infection should stay home until their symptoms have gone away, CDA said.
If they have to leave home while unwell, they should minimise social contact, wear a mask and avoid crowded places or contact with medically vulnerable people.
Travelling During the School Holidays? Two Weeks Before Is Ideal
With the September school holidays approaching, two doctors interviewed by Lianhe Zaobao said travellers should ideally receive their flu vaccination about two weeks before going overseas.
Mutual Healthcare medical director Dr Huang Tianhua and Healthway Medical Group chief medical officer Dr Zheng Pingzhang said this gives the body time to develop an immune response.
Dr Huang added that people who have less than two weeks before departure could still benefit from vaccination, as their immune response may develop before or during their trip.
He also suggested wearing a mask in crowded travel settings such as airports, train stations and aircraft to reduce the risk of infection.
