Influenza A(H1N1) a seasonal flu strain in S’pore, says MOH

SINGAPORE: Singapore’s Health Ministry said Influenza A(H1N1) has become one of the seasonal influenza strains here.

This follows a Malaysian media report about a woman who died from the virus while she was in Singapore.

The 27—year—old had worked in Singapore.

She fell ill while still in the country and succumbed to the virus at the Tuanku Ja’afar Hospital in Malaysia.

In a statement on Thursday, the Health Ministry said Influenza A(H1N1) has been circulating world—wide since the 2009 influenza pandemic, alongside Influenza A(H3N2) and Influenza B.

It added in Singapore, all three strains (A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and B) circulate throughout the year.

The ministry said Influenza A(H1N1) has been incorporated as one of the three strains in the seasonal influenza vaccine since 2010.

The ministry added that those at a higher risk of complications following an influenza infection should get the vaccine to minimise the risk of being infected again.

These include young children, the elderly, and those with chronic diseases.

— CNA/cc