The Ministry of Health has confirmed a cluster of influenza cases at Aces Montessori Kidz in Downtown East.

There are three seasonal influenza strains in Singapore - H1N1, H3N2 and influenza B. The Ministry did not confirm which strain the children were infected with but noted that the "public should not be alarmed".

In a statement released on Tuesday, a ministry spokesman said that eight out of 56 children in the preschool were down with influenza. Of the eight, two were hospitalised but have since been discharged. Ten other children developed symptoms including fever, cough and headache.

"The children are currently recovering. MOH has provided advice to the centre on infection control measures," said the spokesman. "Influenza is generally a mild illness that results in full recovery, though there may sometimes be complications such as pneumonia."

Children aged six months to five years, adults aged 65 years and above, and those with chronic illnesses are advised to go for annual vaccination against the virus.