Janil Puthucheary on measures to handle large-scale influenza outbreaks

The best way for Singaporeans, especially the medically vulnerable, to protect themselves from large-scale influenza outbreaks is to take preventative measures, said Senior Minister of State for Health Janil Puthucheary. Replying to an MP’s questions in parliament on Thursday (Mar 6), he said that such measures include having updated vaccinations, practising good personal hygiene and when unwell, wearing face masks and limiting social contacts, as well as seeking medical attention promptly when needed. If there is a spike in influenza infections, the Ministry of Health may have to release some of its stockpile of anti-virals to reduce the risk of infection and severe outcomes or to secure more supply of new vaccines, he said. In his reply, he also said that during such surges in patient volumes, hospitals would have to tap on alternative care models such as mobile inpatient care at home for suitable patients and the transitional care facilities for medically stable patients.