Singapore sees highest flu rates in 32 months as haze worsens respiratory cases

The Communicable Diseases Agency reported that 44% of respiratory specimens collected between Sep 27 and Oct 3 were influenza-positive, the highest proportion since weekly monitoring began in February 2024 and more than twice the 20% level recorded in early August before haze entered unhealthy ranges. Health Minister Ong Ye Kung noted a week-on-week rise in emergency and polyclinic visits for breathing problems, prompting hospitals to implement surge-preparedness measures such as extra staff, air-purifier use and home delivery of medication.

Clinicians say poor air quality aggravates conditions in the elderly, children, pregnant women and those with chronic heart or lung disease, though the CDA finds no clear evidence that haze makes flu itself more severe. Research linking PM2.5 spikes to a 3% rise in emergency visits for asthma and chronic lung disease supports the concern that haze can trigger more inflammation. Authorities advise vulnerable groups to stay vaccinated, limit outdoor exposure, and use preventive inhalers, while directing mild cases to public health clinics rather than emergency departments.