Health experts caution against a potential “tripledemic” as COVID-19, influenza, and RSV cases surge.
SINGAPORE: The year-end flu season has returned, and doctors are reporting a significant uptick in respiratory infections, with some clinics observing an increase of up to 20 percent in cases.
Health authorities around the world are warning of a potential “tripledemic,” where concurrent outbreaks of COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) could overwhelm healthcare systems during the winter season.
Clinics across Singapore are working diligently to ensure they have enough medications available as the holiday season approaches, coupled with a looming COVID-19 wave driven by increased travel. For instance, Fullerton Health has seen patient visits rise by 10 to 20 percent in recent months, with flu cases nearly doubling. Doctors are particularly vigilant regarding high-risk groups, including the elderly and young children.
Rise in Flu Cases “Over the last two years, especially among younger children and the elderly who have not had much exposure to flu viruses, we are observing a kind of immunity gap,” explains Dr. Ethan Lim, medical director at Fullerton Health. “When they eventually encounter a flu virus, they may experience more severe symptoms. Vulnerable groups like the elderly and young children are at greater risk for severe cases and potential complications.”
Dr. Lim emphasizes that while demand for medication remains tight, the clinic is still able to secure the supplies needed to meet the increased patient load.
At Healthway Medical, where cases have also surged, the healthcare group is stocking up on medications to ensure its 50 clinics can manage the year-end demand. “We’ve seen a consistent increase in influenza and respiratory tract infections during the holiday seasons over the past few years,” remarks Dr. Teo Cheng Rong, a family physician at Healthway Medical. “We maintain sufficient stock buffers to cope with potential increases in both influenza and COVID-19 cases.”
Dr. Teo notes that global supply shortages can impact the availability of medical supplies, but the clinics proactively seek alternative sources to ensure a steady supply.
Flu Shots in High Demand Flu vaccinations are experiencing heightened demand this season. Doctors at Phoenix Medical report administering approximately 100 flu shots weekly, a significant increase compared to 20 to 30 shots in previous years. This surge is likely linked to the uptick in cross-border travel, as many travelers opt to get vaccinated before their journeys.
“With borders reopening, more travelers are eager to receive influenza vaccinations prior to travel,” notes Dr. Chua Hshan Cher, medical director and family physician at Phoenix Medical. He encourages travelers to continue practicing good personal hygiene and wearing masks when necessary.
Associate Professor Yvonne Su from the Emerging Infectious Diseases Programme at Duke-NUS Medical School stresses the importance of flu vaccinations, particularly for those traveling to colder climates where flu viruses are prevalent. “Travelers may contract viruses abroad and potentially spread them to vulnerable populations upon returning to Singapore,” she cautions.
