SINGAPORE (AP) — Doctors are urging others to get vaccinated and wear masks in the face of the usual end-of-year surge in acute respiratory infections, which come with Covid-19, the flu and the common cold.
Healthway Medical, the largest general practice chain with more than 120 clinics, and Parkway Shenton, with 55 GP clinics, say they have seen a 30 percent increase in respiratory infections. Raffles Medical, which has 43 GP clinics, has also detected a build-up in such conditions.
The latest data from the Ministry of Health for the week ending December 2 showed an average of 2,970 cases per day seen across Singapore’s 25 polyclinics, compared with a five-year average of 2,009 cases between 2018 and 2022 for this time of the year. .
Although this figure is much lower than the 3,000 to 3,500 per day in the years before the pandemic, it follows nearly three years of low infection rates due to Covid-19 precautions. In 2020 and 2021, polyclinics gained fewer than 1,000 cases compared to one day in early December.
Polyclinics treat about 20 percent of acute cases in primary care, with the rest provided through 1,800 general practitioner clinics.
In the same week, more than 32,000 people were diagnosed with Covid-19: 460 were hospitalized and nine required intensive care. This has especially exacerbated the shortage of beds in public hospitals.
Professor Hsu Li Yang, an infectious disease expert at the NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, said: “During this festive season, as upper respiratory tract infections and Covid-19 cases increase, it is vital Be aware of others. Wear a mask in crowded places, stay home if you are sick, and get the latest flu vaccine as well as a Covid-19 booster dose to avoid disrupting your plans.
Dr Jonathan Tan, a family physician at Healthway, said: “We usually see more respiratory infections during the year end; however, this year we are seeing an even larger increase in the number of upper respiratory tract infections. Fortunately, the majority of cases are mild and can be treated in an outpatient setting.”
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He too advised staying updated with influenza and Covid-19 vaccinations and to mask up, especially in crowded places, as this can reduce the chances of catching air-borne bugs.
Covid-19 vaccines are available in Singapore, as is the flu vaccine for those who have signed up for Healthier SG, the national scheme created this year to inspire others to see a family doctor who can provide preventative care. Keep them healthy.
The actual number of people with the flu is small, and most suffer from a cold.
The Ministry of Health, which tracks influenza infections for potential pandemics, said: “The proportion of patients with influenza-like illness among patients in polyclinics for acute respiratory infections is 0. 5 percent. “
Of that small number of people with flu-like illness, only 11. 5 percent have tested positive for the flu virus in the past four weeks.
El Dr. Tan said other people who are feeling unwell deserve to get a temporary Covid-19 test at home. If they test positive, it is possible to take antiviral medications such as Tamiflu, which will reduce the severity of symptoms.
Dr. Edwin Chng, chief medical officer at Parkway Shenton, gave similar advice, adding, “People with risk factors, such as the elderly and immunocompromised, seek medical attention for proper evaluation. “
He said people should practise good hygiene — which most people were doing during the pandemic years —such as hand washing and not touching the face with hands, as this could spread diseases like the common cold, Covid-19 and the flu.
Dr. Chng Shih Kiat, chief medical officer at Raffles Medical, said some patients seen at his clinics had to be prescribed antivirals, even though most of the patients had mild symptoms.
To avoid getting sick, he advised others to stay healthy through balanced nutrition and adequate intake of nuts and vegetables.
“You also need to get enough rest and stay hydrated. Exercise regularly, but don’t overwork with overzealous workout programs. When traveling, wear a mask, especially in crowded places. “
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This article was first published in The Straits Times. Permission required for reproduction.