It is estimated that an average of 588 people in Singapore die each year from influenza, according to a study by the
Ministry of Health and Singapore General Hospital.

While a relatively manageable infection for most people, it can pose a serious risk for the very young, the elderly and
people suffering from medical conditions like lung disease, diabetes, cancer, kidney or heart problems. For
these people, influenza, or more commonly known as flu, can lead to severe complications such as pneumonia and even death.

In light of this, the Health Promotion Board launched a media campaign today to encourage Singaporeans to protect
themselves and loved ones with yearly flu vaccination.

The campaign targets parents of young children, particularly children aged 6 months to 5 years old, as well as people with elderly parents aged 65 years and above.

The reason for yearly vaccinations is that unlike most other vaccinations, the flu shot does not guarantee long term
immunity. Constant genetic changes in the influenza virus mean that the vaccines must be adjusted annually to include the most recent circulating influenza virus.

It is therefore recommended that people get their flu vaccination "renewed" on a yearly basis.

Influenza FAQ

What is Influenza?

Influenza is an infection caused by a virus called the influenza virus. It is usually a more severe illness than the common cold, which is caused by other respiratory viruses. Influenza typically has a sudden onset with headache, chills and cough followed rapidly by a fever, appetite loss, muscle aches, and tiredness. On the other hand, cold symptoms are limited to the upper respiratory tract with runny nose, sneezing, watery eyes, and throat irritation. Gastrointestinal symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea, can sometimes accompany influenza, especially in children, but these symptoms are rarely prominent. The term "stomach flu" is often incorrectly used to describe gastrointestinal illness that is due to other causes.

There are three main types of influenza:
a) influenza A,
b) influenza B, and
c) influenza C

Influenza A and influenza B are associated with annual outbreaks and epidemics. Influenza A usually causes more severe illness than influenza B and can result in pneumonia, hospitalisation or even death, especially in the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. Influenza A has also been responsible for all previous pandemics (worldwide epidemics of influenza).

Influenza C is very rarely seen and is associated with only mild sporadic illness.

How is influenza spread?

The "flu" virus is spread from person to person very efficiently through droplets of saliva or phlegm (spit) that travel through the air, usually propelled along by the action of coughing or sneezing. This way of spreading the virus happens most easily indoors and in crowded places. Influenza can also be passed on from person to person by touching contaminated surfaces, for example touching an object like a doorknob or telephone receiver that has been recently handled by someone who is infected with influenza.

Are there any ways to prevent infection?

Hygienic practices such as hand washing may help to reduce the risk of being infected, especially after contact with persons who may have the flu and after handling soiled tissues. People can build up their body resistance to influenza by having a proper diet and adequate exercise and rest. They can also avoid close contact with persons who are ill with an influenza-like infection. Regular flu vaccinations, particularly for the at-risk, can also help prevent infection.

What is the influenza vaccine and how is it made?

Current influenza vaccines are made of dead fragments of influenza viruses. The process of making influenza vaccines involves initially growing the recommended virus strains in fertilized hens' eggs. The virus is then extracted from the egg and killed and further treated to break up the dead virus and purify it into small clean particles. These purified particles allow the body's immune system to recognise the genetic "blueprint" of the influenza virus without causing illness. Vaccines are updated annually to include purified vaccine particles that are similar to the most current influenza virus strains that have the greatest likelihood of causing severe and widespread illness. After vaccination, the body's immune system produces antibodies against the inactivated virus in the vaccine. If you are exposed to the real virus, the antibodies prevent the infection or reduce the likelihood of severe illness should infection occur.

Why is it recommended that influenza vaccine be taken every year?

In general, protection acquired from influenza vaccination lasts 6-12 months. Furthermore, influenza viruses continually undergo genetic changes; thus one's immunity, acquired as a result of previous influenza infections or previous vaccination, would not necessarily protect against subsequent infections by new strains of the virus. As the influenza viruses change, the vaccine has to be updated on a yearly basis to include the most current strains.

Adapted from:
Ministry of Health, FAQs, Influenza
For more http://www.pqms.moh.gov.sg/apps/fcd_faqmain.aspx