H3N2 most prevalent influenza strain in Singapore: MOH

SINGAPORE — It is the traditional flu season at the moment, which typically lasts from December to February each year.

The Health Ministry said more people are seeking treatment at polyclinics. It added that the H3N2 influenza strain is currently the most prevalent strain.

The strain is a mutation first discovered in March last year. Doctors said symptoms of H3N2 are similar to those of other strains. These include fever, a sore throat and body ache.

Vaccines for H3N2 are not ready yet, but doctors said current vaccines will suffice for now.

Dr Leong Hoe Nam, medical director at Rophi Clinic, said: “The current vaccine will treat H1N1, about less than half of H3N2 and some of the influenza Bs. So overall, it will provide about 50 per cent protection. It is not 100 per cent but I will still recommend that everyone get it. It can reduce your chances of an influenza attack by half.” CHANNEL NEWSASIA