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Human and Avian Influenza
Human influenza is prevalent throughout the year in Singapore with small peaks at the middle and the end of the year. The incubation period is 1-3 days. Classic clinical features include symptoms of fever, chills, headache, malaise, myalgia and anorexia. Other symptoms include sore throat, dry cough and nasal discharge. A well recognized complication is that of viral pneumonia.
Vaccination, on a yearly basis, is recommended for those at high risk. These include the very young or elderly, the chronic sick, residents of institutions, health care workers, household contacts of high risk groups, pregnant women who will be in their 2nd or 3rd trimester during the flu season.
Avian influenza (Bird Flu) is spread among susceptible birds through contact with contaminated excretions of infected birds. Human infection can result from close contact with infected poultry through their secretions or excrement, or contaminated surfaces.
Clinical features in humans include conjunctivitis, fever, cough, shortness of breath and diarrhea. There is as yet no vaccine against avian influenza.
For vaccination schedule, click here.
For the latest travel advisory on Avian Influenza, click here. |
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