I REFER to current developments in Influenza A (H1N1) and year-end seasonal flu and suggest the following precautions.

There is a wide variety of prices for the new H1N1 vaccine. While the vaccine is the same, the cost of delivering the jabs is different.

Much of the cost has to do with the cost of running the practice. For instance, whether the vaccine is administered by doctors or nurses, or whether there is any consultation with the doctor accompanying the jabs.

When checking prices, compare absolute prices. In a clinical practice, there are other charges such as GST, practice cost, consultation fee and other hidden costs. The price charged by polyclinics is the minimum. Be careful if anyone else charges less.

Patients in high-risk groups need to be vaccinated against seasonal flu as well as H1N1. The current seasonal flu vaccine should be the Northern Hemisphere version. It is also important to consider other vaccination such as pneumococcal vaccination for adults.

Singaporeans who are travelling should be vaccinated before their trip and keep masks in their hand luggage.

Anyone who feels ill should consult a doctor early, even if he has had a vaccination. It is not uncommon to have secondary bacterial infection on top of flu.

Try not to doctor-hop as it may create confusion and the patient may not get the necessary care in time.

Common sense and good social and civic behaviour are important during the current H1N1 watch and the onset of year-end seasonal flu.

Stay home and rest if you are unwell. Put on your mask, cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and wash your hands with soap diligently.

Dr Leong Choon Kit