As flu season approaches, more people in Singapore and around the world are testing positive for Influenza A, also known as Flu Type A. While many brush it off as a common cold, this highly contagious virus can cause severe symptoms and complications, especially among children, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems. The problem is, many still don’t fully understand what Influenza A is, how it spreads, or how to treat it properly.
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about Type A Influenza, including symptoms, treatment, and tips to stay protected.
Flu A, short for Influenza A, refers to one of the main types of influenza viruses that cause seasonal flu outbreaks. It is a contagious respiratory illness that can infect humans and animals, including birds and pigs. Unlike other flu types, Flu A viruses are more prone to mutate and form new strains, which is why they are often responsible for larger flu epidemics or even pandemics.
The Influenza Type A virus belongs to the Orthomyxoviridae family and is known for its high variability and ability to cause widespread infections. It is further classified into subtypes based on two proteins found on its surface: hemagglutinin (H) and neuraminidase (N), for example, H1N1 or H3N2. These subtypes constantly evolve, which is why flu vaccines are updated regularly. Influenza A virus mainly spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Both Flu A and Flu B can cause similar symptoms like fever, body aches, sore throat, and fatigue. However, there are key differences:
Flu A can infect both humans and animals and has multiple subtypes, making it more likely to cause outbreaks or pandemics.
Flu B, on the other hand, only infects humans and tends to mutate more slowly. It usually causes localized outbreaks and is less severe than Flu A.
In summary, Flu A is typically more aggressive and widespread, while Flu B tends to be milder and more predictable.
In Singapore, Influenza A is a common cause of flu-like illnesses, especially during the year-end and mid-year periods when flu activity peaks. According to Singapore’s Ministry of Health (MOH), Flu Type A infections are regularly detected in the community, especially among school children, working adults, and the elderly. Local healthcare providers often test for Flu A when patients present with high fever, respiratory symptoms, and body aches. Thanks to routine surveillance and public health awareness, Singapore continues to monitor and respond swiftly to influenza outbreaks to minimize community spread.
Type A flu symptoms usually appear suddenly and can range from mild to severe. Common symptoms include:
Some people may also experience vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children than adults.
In adults, Flu A typically presents with fever, chills, fatigue, body aches, and respiratory symptoms. Adults may also feel weak for several days even after the fever subsides. In children, the symptoms can appear more suddenly and may also include nausea, vomiting, and irritability.
Infants and toddlers with Influenza A may show fewer clear symptoms and instead appear lethargic, have trouble feeding, or show signs of breathing difficulty. Parents are encouraged to seek medical advice promptly if a child under 5 shows flu symptoms, which can be done easily by accessing 24/7 doctor consultations through the MaNaDr App for quick, convenient care at home.
Influenza A can be moderate to severe, depending on your age, health status, and whether you’ve been vaccinated. For healthy individuals, symptoms may resolve within 5–7 days, but fatigue can linger. However, for the elderly, pregnant women, young children, and people with chronic conditions, complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections, or even hospitalization may occur. In fact, research in Singapore has shown that Influenza A contributes to the majority of flu-related hospital admissions, reinforcing its potential severity.
Yes, in many cases, Flu A is considered more severe than Flu B due to its ability to mutate and infect different species (including animals). This allows it to evolve more rapidly and cause seasonal epidemics or even global pandemics.
Additionally, Flu A viruses are responsible for the majority of severe flu cases and complications, including ICU admissions, especially among vulnerable groups in Singapore’s healthcare system. That’s why understanding symptoms of Type A flu and seeking early treatment is crucial.
Type A Influenza spreads primarily through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. These droplets can travel up to a metre and land in the noses or mouths of people nearby. You can also contract the virus by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus like doorknobs, lift buttons, or shared devices, and then touching your nose, mouth, or eyes. Saliva droplets can spread up to 1–2 meters and may survive on surfaces for minutes to several days, depending on the type of material. Influenza A virus can survive the longest on metal and plastic surfaces up to 24–48 hours.
In Singapore’s densely populated environments such as public transport, schools, and offices, this mode of transmission makes it easier for outbreaks to occur, especially during peak flu seasons (typically May–July and November–January). The virus has an incubation period of 1–4 days, meaning someone can unknowingly spread it before even showing symptoms.
While anyone can get infected with Influenza A, certain groups are more vulnerable to severe symptoms and complications, including:
In Singapore, MOH and healthcare providers recommend annual flu vaccination for these high-risk groups, especially before the onset of peak flu periods. Early protection is key to reducing transmission and severe outcomes.
Testing positive for Influenza A means that you have an active infection caused by the Influenza Type A virus. This result confirms that the flu-like symptoms you’re experiencing such as fever, cough, fatigue, and body aches are specifically due to the Type A strain of the flu virus, not other viruses or bacteria.
A positive diagnosis is important not just for appropriate treatment, but also for taking steps to prevent spreading the virus to others, especially those at higher risk such as the elderly, young children, and people with chronic conditions. In Singapore, a confirmed Flu A positive result may also allow for medical leave or isolation advice, depending on severity and context (e.g., school or workplace outbreaks).
You should see a doctor promptly if you experience:
Children, the elderly, and people with pre-existing conditions should seek care even sooner if symptoms arise. In Singapore, many private clinics and GP practices offer flu assessments. And for greater convenience, you can also consult a doctor via the MaNaDr App 24/7 without leaving home.
In Singapore, diagnosing Influenza A is typically done through rapid antigen tests (RATs) or PCR tests.
Rapid influenza diagnostic tests (RIDTs): These detect influenza viral antigens in respiratory specimens and can give results in 15–30 minutes. While fast, they are slightly less accurate.
Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests: These are more sensitive and specific and are often used in hospitals and laboratories to confirm the presence of influenza A RNA.
Testing may be recommended by doctors based on symptoms, recent exposure, or during known flu outbreaks. In some cases such as in schools, eldercare facilities, or hospitals, routine testing may be conducted during flu season to prevent cluster infections.
If you’ve tested positive for Influenza A, the most important steps are to rest, stay hydrated, isolate yourself from others, and monitor your symptoms closely. Most healthy individuals recover at home within a week without needing hospital care. Sympathomimetic drugs may also be used to help relieve symptoms. To determine the appropriate medication, a teleconsultation with a doctor can be done without needing to leave home.
To avoid spreading the virus, stay home from school or work, wear a mask, and avoid close contact with others, especially those who are vulnerable such as the elderly or people with chronic illnesses. In Singapore, many people opt for teleconsultations through platforms like the MaNaDr App to receive medical advice and treatment without leaving home.
There is no cure for Flu A, but treatment focuses on relieving symptoms and shortening the duration of illness. Home remedies like warm fluids, throat gargles, and steam inhalation may provide symptom relief. Always follow a healthcare professional’s guidance, especially for young children, the elderly, or those with pre-existing conditions.
While most Flu A cases can be managed at home, you should seek immediate medical attention if you or someone in your care experiences:
In Singapore, public hospitals and emergency departments are equipped to handle severe flu cases, especially when complications like pneumonia arise.
Recovery from Influenza A typically takes 5 to 7 days for most healthy individuals, although fatigue and cough may linger for up to 2 weeks. Children and older adults may take longer to bounce back, especially if they develop secondary infections.
During this recovery period, it’s important to rest well, maintain good nutrition, and avoid strenuous activities. Singapore’s Ministry of Health advises people recovering from flu to stay at home until at least 24 hours after their fever subsides without the use of medication, helping to reduce community transmission.
Influenza A is a highly contagious respiratory virus that affects people of all ages, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe. In a bustling and close-knit country like Singapore, early detection, timely treatment, and responsible health habits are key to preventing widespread outbreaks. Whether you’re caring for a loved one or feeling unwell yourself, knowing the signs, risks, and remedies for Flu A empowers you to act quickly and recover safely.
When in doubt, speak to a doctor anytime via the MaNaDr App to get professional advice, prescriptions, and peace of mind, all from the comfort of your home. Stay informed, stay protected, and take flu season seriously because your health matters.
