What You Need to Know About the Flu Season in Singapore – Especially During a COVID-19 Surge

Oaklife Family Clinic
Aug 16, 2024
6 min read

Updated: May 16

Originally published: Aug 16, 2024 | Updated: May 16, 2025

As Singapore sees a rise in both flu and COVID-19 cases, healthcare providers are urging the public to take stronger precautions. The Ministry of Health (MOH) has reported a surge in respiratory illness clusters.

At Oaklife Family Clinic, we’re prepared with a steady supply of flu vaccines, Tamiflu, and rapid flu swab tests—so you can stay protected. We also provide COVID-19 vaccinations and swab tests. CHAS subsidies apply for eligible patients. Book an appointment today to stay protected.

🦠 Flu or COVID-19? Here’s how to tell the difference.

The flu (influenza) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It shares many symptoms with COVID-19, including:

Fever and chills
Cough
Body aches
Fatigue
Sore throat
Runny nose

With the latest COVID surge in Singapore, many are unsure whether they have flu or COVID-19. That’s why accurate, fast testing matters—our clinic offers 15-minute rapid flu tests, and MOH-approved COVID-19 swabs for proper diagnosis.

“Don’t guess between flu and COVID-19—get tested early. The treatment paths differ, and early action prevents complications.”— Dr Lim Chong Soon Daniel, Oaklife Family Clinic

Sick asian lady blowing her nose and feeling cold with blanket over shoulder

What is the flu?

The flu, also known as influenza, is a common acute respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus. It presents with symptoms such as fever, chills, body aches, headaches, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Flu in Singapore now is a growing concern, with recent surges in cases leading to increased hospital visits. Influenza can cause mild to severe illness, and in some cases, it may lead to serious complications or even death.

There are different types of influenza viruses: Influenza A and Influenza B, which are seasonal and cause more severe symptoms and epidemics, while Influenza C is less common and typically causes milder symptoms.

In contrast, the common cold, often mistaken for the flu, is caused by other viruses such as rhinovirus and parainfluenza. While both share similar symptoms, the common cold usually results in milder symptoms and is less likely to lead to serious complications like pneumonia or hospitalization.

What is COVID-19?

COVID-19 is a respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It first emerged in late 2019 and has since become a global pandemic, with ongoing waves and new variants continuing to affect countries, including Singapore.

COVID-19 shares many symptoms with the flu—such as fever, cough, fatigue, and body aches—but can also include:

Loss of taste or smell
Shortness of breath
Chest tightness
Gastrointestinal symptoms like diarrhoea

Severe COVID-19 can lead to hospitalisation, pneumonia, and long COVID, especially in vulnerable groups such as the elderly, individuals with chronic illness, and the immunocompromised.

When is the Flu Season in Singapore?

Unlike temperate countries where flu season peaks during fall and winter, Singapore experiences influenza year-round due to its tropical climate. However, there are typically two peak seasons, occurring:

May to July
November to January

These coincide with school holidays, travel seasons, and wetter months, increasing transmission rates. Flu in Singapore now has been on the rise, with health experts advising vaccinations and precautionary measures.

This year, we are seeing concurrent surges of flu and COVID-19, especially among school-going children, seniors, and individuals returning from travel. If you’re wondering, “Is there COVID in Singapore right now?”— yes, MOH has confirmed an uptick in COVID cases Singapore, making it more important than ever to get vaccinated for both flu and COVID-19.

How Does the Flu and COVID-19 Spread?

Both viruses primarily through droplets when an infected person sneezes, coughs, or talks. Touching contaminated surfaces or having direct contact with someone infected can also spread the virus.

In Singapore, people with the flu are most contagious 3–4 days after symptoms develop, with an incubation period of 1–4 days post-exposure.

What Complications Can Influenza and COVID-19 Cause?

Without timely treatment, rising flu cases in Singapore can lead to serious complications, such as:

Lung infections (pneumonia)
Sinusitis and ear infections
Triggering of pre-existing or underlying conditions like asthma, COPD, and heart failure

Who is at Higher Risk of Flu or COVID-19 Complications?

Whether it’s the flu or COVID-19, the following groups are at higher risk of severe flu complications:

Adults aged 65 years and older
Children aged 5 years and younger (especially below 2 years)
Pregnant individuals (all trimesters)
Children on long-term aspirin therapy
Individuals with chronic conditions, including pulmonary diseases (e.g., asthma, COPD), cardiovascular conditions (e.g., heart disease), diabetes, kidney or liver disease, neurological conditions (e.g., stroke, dementia), and those who are immunocompromised due to medications, organ transplants, or illnesses like HIV.

How is Influenza or COVID-19 Diagnosed?

Diagnosing influenza and COVID-19 can be challenging based on symptoms alone, as they overlap—but treatments differ. Oaklife Family Clinic offers both flu and COVID-19 testing onsite. Our rapid swabs detect influenza A/B and COVID-19 with high accuracy in 10–15 minutes.

How is the Flu or COVID-19 Treated?

Flu treatment typically involves symptomatic relief, with adequate rest and hydration. The body's immune system usually fights off the virus, although it may take about 5-7 days for symptoms to subside.

For higher-risk patients, antiviral medications like Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) can be prescribed preferably within 48 hours of symptom onset. These medications can help lessen symptoms, speed up recovery by 1-2 days, and prevent complications like pneumonia.

For COVID-19, isolation, rest, and medical evaluation if symptoms worsen. Vaccinated individuals typically experience milder symptoms.

At Oaklife Family Clinic, we have ample supply of Tamiflu and up-to-date COVID-19 vaccines available.

How Can the Flu or COVID-19 Be Prevented?

A child getting the flu vaccine in Singapore

The most effective way to prevent influenza in Singapore is through annual flu and COVID-19 vaccination or booster. Singaporeans are eligible for government subsidies under the National Childhood and Adult Immunisation Schedules if they meet specific criteria. Refer to this MOH resource for more details.

For children, you can learn more about our vaccination offerings, including using the Child Development Account (CDA) or Baby Bonus cash gift to cover vaccination costs.

Additionally, wearing face masks, frequent handwashing, and avoiding touching your face, nose, and mouth can further reduce the spread of flu.

How can Oaklife Family Clinic help?

At Oaklife Family Clinic in Singapore, we provide comprehensive care for flu management, including:

Rapid Influenza Swab Tests: Accurate diagnosis within 10-15 minutes.
Tamiflu and Symptomatic Medications: For patients requiring treatment.
Flu and COVID-19 Vaccinations: We offer flu and COVID-19 vaccines for those who need them.

As a CHAS-accredited clinic, we now provide government-subsidized flu vaccinations for eligible patients. Visit us to discuss your flu prevention and treatment needs.

FAQs about Flu & COVID-19 in Singapore

How often should I get the flu vaccine in Singapore? We recommend getting the flu vaccine annually to stay protected against new strains.
What should I do if I suspect I have the flu? If you have flu symptoms, visit a clinic for a rapid influenza test and follow the doctor’s advice on treatment.
Are flu vaccinations subsidised in Singapore? Yes, subsidies are available for Singaporeans under the National Immunisation Schedules.
When should children in Singapore get their flu vaccine? Children aged 6 months and older are recommended to receive the flu vaccine annually. For children under 9 years receiving the flu vaccine for the first time, two doses spaced 4 weeks apart may be required.
Can I get the flu even after being vaccinated? Yes, it’s possible to get the flu even after vaccination, but the symptoms are often less severe, and the risk of complications is significantly reduced. The flu vaccine also protects against the most common strains circulating each year.
Are flu vaccinations safe during pregnancy? Yes, flu vaccines are safe and recommended during all trimesters of pregnancy. They protect both the pregnant individual and the baby from influenza complications.
Can children use CDA funds for flu vaccinations? Yes, children in Singapore can use their Child Development Account (CDA) or Baby Bonus cash gift to cover the costs of flu vaccinations at CHAS-accredited clinics like Oaklife Family Clinic.
Can the flu trigger asthma symptoms in children? Yes, the flu can exacerbate asthma symptoms in children. Early vaccination and proper asthma management can help minimise the risk of severe respiratory complications.
Is the flu vaccine mandatory in Singapore? No, flu vaccination is not mandatory in Singapore but is highly recommended for high-risk groups, including young children, elderly adults, and individuals with chronic conditions.
Can I have both flu and COVID-19 at the same time? Yes, co-infections are possible and can worsen outcomes. Testing for both is recommended if you have overlapping symptoms.
What is the latest COVID-19 situation in Singapore? According to the MOH COVID update today, Singapore is experiencing an uptick in community COVID-19 cases. Visit MOH website for current advisories.
Are both flu and COVID-19 vaccines safe together? Yes. It’s safe to receive both vaccines during the same visit if eligible.