Singapore is currently experiencing a fresh wave of respiratory infections and COVID-19 cases, with the Communicable Diseases Agency (CDA) noting a distinct rise to an estimated 12,700 cases in the week of 10 to 16 May 2026 (up from 8,000 cases the previous week) in their statement release on 21 May 2026.
While there is no guarantee of not catching the virus, you can control your level of risk. Here are some simple, practical steps you can take today to help lower your chances of getting sick and protect yourself from potential side effects.
1. Maintain Good Personal Hygiene
The simplest protective habits are often the most effective. Practicing consistent personal hygiene habits in your daily life can drastically reduce the risk of transmission:
- Refrain from touching face: Avoid touching your face, especially after being in public spaces, as respiratory viruses enter the body through your eyes, nose and mouth.
- Wash hands frequently: Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after being in public spaces. This simple act reduces germ count on your hands by up to 99 per cent.
- Mask up when unwell: If you have a cough, runny nose, or scratchy throat, wear a mask to protect those around you.
For patients visiting us at Alliance Medical Centre for your health screening, you can also be assured that we maintain strict sanitisation protocols with high-touch surfaces and health screening equipment thoroughly disinfected throughout the day.
2. Keep Up to Date with Vaccinations
Vaccination remains one of Singapore’s primary lines of defence against COVID-19. Current official guidelines recommend for individuals that fall in the following categories receive an updated vaccine dose if about a year has passed since their last one:
- Individuals aged 60 years and above
- Medically vulnerable individuals aged 6 months and above
- Residents of aged care facilities
Healthcare workers and persons living or working with medically vulnerable individuals are also encouraged to consider receiving the vaccine. After all, keeping your immunity current helps protect not just yourself, but also the members of your household.
3. Know Your Vulnerabilities with a Comprehensive Health Screening
Serious complications from respiratory illnesses can occur due to existing undetected and underlying health conditions. Chronic issues like unmanaged diabetes, high blood pressure, or compromised cardiovascular health can weaken your body’s immune response and increase the risk of severe side effects from an infection.
Getting a routine health screening is a proactive step that allows you to:
- Identify hidden risks: Understand your baseline health status, with comprehensive tests measuring blood glucose and cholesterol levels, cancer markers, and more.
- Strengthen your defences: Armed with your results, you can work with a doctor to optimise your health before you get sick, ensuring your body is in the best possible position to recover quickly from illnesses.
At Alliance Medical Centre, we offer a variety of health screening packages tailored to age group, gender, and wellness needs. Don’t wait for a health scare to find out where your body stands. Book a health screening session with us today!
Talk to Your Healthcare Team
Navigating infection waves can be stressful, but taking these simple precautions and practical steps goes a long way. Speak to your General Practitioner (GP) for more personalised check-ups and prevention tips. Need a GP? Find one here.
