Health · Public Health & Disease · 3 hrs ago
Flu activity in Singapore reaches its highest level since 2024
Singapore is seeing more influenza activity as hazy weather continues.
In the week from Sep 27 to Oct 3, 44 per cent of respiratory samples tested positive for influenza, the highest share since weekly records began in February 2024.
The Health Ministry says polyclinics and emergency departments have seen more patients with respiratory problems over the past month.
Doctors say haze can irritate the respiratory system and aggravate existing lung or heart conditions, especially in older people, young children and pregnant women.
There is not enough evidence to say haze makes influenza itself more severe.
Hospitals have plans to manage increased demand, and the ministry says medical supplies are sufficient.
Health agencies and hospitals continue to monitor cases and air quality.
Influenza activity in Singapore reached its highest level since weekly data began in February 2024.
The Communicable Diseases Agency said 44 per cent of respiratory samples tested positive for influenza from Sep 27 to Oct 3.
That was more than double the 20 per cent recorded at the start of August.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said emergency departments and polyclinics had seen more patients with respiratory issues.
The agency said there is insufficient evidence that haze makes influenza more severe.
- Who
- The Communicable Diseases Agency reported the rise in influenza activity.
- What
- 44 per cent of respiratory samples tested positive for influenza, the highest level in the weekly data.
- When
- Sep 27 to Oct 3, 2026.
- Where
- Singapore.
- Why
- The sources do not state why influenza activity rose.
This story does not have two clearly opposing sides.
Anecdotally, we have easily seen double or triple the number of cases that we normally would see
currently, there's no increase in severity compared to (previous periods)
contributing or triggering factor rather than the main cause
20 per cent of respiratory samples tested positive for influenza.
Haze first crossed into the unhealthy range.
44 per cent of respiratory samples tested positive for influenza.
Health Minister Ong Ye Kung said emergency departments had seen a week-on-week increase in patients with respiratory issues.
CNA reported that weekly influenza activity was at its highest level since 2024.
- Positive samples
- 44 per cent
- Comparison at start of August
- 20 per cent
- Data period
- Sep 27 to Oct 3
- Weekly data began
- February 2024
- Minister
- Ong Ye Kung
Sources
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