Influenza Burden and its implications in 2020
https://doi.org/10.33591/sfp.47.4.uo1
- Author:
Sin Yew Wong
;
Mun San Lam
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Influenza, burden, vaccines, COVID-19
- From:The Singapore Family Physician
2021;47(4):48-50
- CountrySingapore
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
In temperate countries, the seasonal influenza epidemics in the winter months have been predictable. While this “seasonal” pattern is less clear in tropical countries such as Singapore, the burden of influenza is no less than in temperate countries. In Singapore, a recent study has estimated that from 2010 to 2017, the influenza-associated hospitalisation for pneumonia and influenza was 50 per 100,000. Vaccination has been the most important public health prevention tool for influenza. The vaccine efficacy of the current influenza vaccines has been suboptimal, and efforts are underway to improve this to develop a universal influenza vaccine. The public health crisis brought upon by SARS CoV2 in 2020 has resulted in changes to the epidemiology of many respiratory infections, including influenza. While the reduction of seasonal influenza cases in the first three quarters of 2020 has been a welcome relief, it is critical to maintain vigilance as seasonal and pandemic influenza remains a global health threat.
