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Increased inuenza activity in the northern

temperate region
News Highlights

Increased inuenza activity in the northern temperate region

The Ministry of Health (MOH) would like to inform the public of an increase in
inuenza activity in the northern temperate region. According to the World Health
Organization (WHO), many countries of North America, Europe, North Africa, eastern
Mediterranean and temperate Asia have reported increasing inuenza activity over the past
1

weeks.

Situation in the United States

2.

In the United States, inuenza activity remains high. The majority of the circulating

viruses remain well matched to the 2012-2013 seasonal inuenza vaccine viruses, thus the
United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending that people get
vaccinated to reduce the risk of having to go to the doctor for inuenza.
Situation in other countries
3.

Increased inuenza activity has also been detected across Canada and Europe,

mainly in the northern and western part of the continent. In temperate Asia, China ocially
announced the start of inuenza season in northern China. Inuenza activity remained low
in Japan and Republic of Korea, though there is some evidence of increased activity.
4.

According to WHO, travel restrictions are not recommended, including screening at

entry points.
Public advisory practice good personal hygiene and get vaccinated
5.

Travellers going to areas experiencing increased inuenza activity are advised to

adopt the following measures:

Practise good personal hygiene, including frequent hand washing with soap and
water, or use hand sanitizer if soap and water are not available;
If you experience u-like symptoms (high fever, sore throat, cough, headache, muscle
aches, and stuy nose), seek medical treatment early, and avoid crowded places to
prevent the spread of virus to others;
Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze, or use a mask;
and
Consider going for inuenza vaccination (at least two weeks before you travel).
6.

Vaccination against seasonal inuenza is recommended for persons at higher risk

of developing inuenza-related complications, or persons who live with or are caregivers of

those belonging to high risk groups (see Annex).
7.

Seasonal inuenza vaccine is available at both polyclinics and private clinics.

Demand for seasonal inuenza vaccine has been higher this season. Public may wish to call
their healthcare providers beforehand to check on the availability of the vaccine.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH
18 JANUARY 2013
[1]

WHOs updates on the global inuenza activity can be assessed at the WHO website:

http://www.who.int/inuenza/surveillance_monitoring/updates/en/

Last updated on 18 Jan 2013

13/02/2013 15:16