Singapore flu: drugs, symptoms, causes etc. • hello healthy

Definition

What is the Singapore flu?

Singapore flu or hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) is an infectious disease caused by various types of viruses.

This disease often occurs in children with symptoms such as mouth pain and rashes on the hands and feet.

This disease is harmless, does not require specific treatment, and usually goes away in 2 weeks.

However, in rare cases, Singapore flu in children can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, polio and even death.

How common is this condition?

Hand, foot, mouth disease (HMFD) is most common in infants and toddlers. However, older children and even adults can still become infected.

You can prevent your child from developing this disease by reducing risk factors.

Discuss with your doctor to get more complete information.

Signs & symptoms

What are the signs and symptoms of the Singapore flu?

Quoted from the Mayo Clinic, some of the Singapore flu symptoms that may appear in children include:

Fever
Sore throat
Loss of appetite
Not feeling well
Painful, red, blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks
Red rash, without itching but sometimes accompanied by blisters, on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet and buttocks

The period from initial infection to the incubation period is three to six days.

This means that from the first time you are exposed to the virus until symptoms of the Singapore virus start to appear, it is around that time.

Fever is often the first symptom of the Singapore flu in children. Then, followed by a sore throat, no appetite, or feeling unwell.

One to two days after the fever develops, sores will develop in the front of the mouth and throat.

Rashes on the hands and feet, or buttocks can occur within a day or two.

There may be other symptoms that were not mentioned. Moreover, the symptoms felt by children can also be different.

In order to get directions that match your symptoms and body condition, please consult a doctor.

When should I see a doctor?

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) or the Singapore flu is a mild disease that only causes a fever for a few days and other signs and symptoms that are relatively mild.

Call the doctor if your child:

Difficulty swallowing and receiving fluids, such as drinks
High fever so that the child cannot respond to paracetamol
Symptoms worsen and do not improve within 2 weeks.

Cause

What causes the Singapore flu?

The most common cause of Singapore flu in both adults and children is the coxsackievirus A16.

Sometimes, Enterovirus 71 or some other types of viruses can also be the cause of this condition.

This virus can be found in feces and body fluids in the nose and throat.

Then, it is necessary to know if the virus can spread from one person to another by touching the body fluids of an infected person.

Singapore flu is transmitted through:

Saliva
Fluid from blisters
Respiratory droplets are sprayed into the air after coughing or sneezing.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease This is most common in children due to frequent diaper changes and toilet training.

During this time, children often put their hands in their mouths so it is not hygienic.

Singapore flu in children is most contagious in the first week. Even so, the virus can remain in the body for weeks after signs and symptoms have disappeared.

This means, there is a chance that your child can still pass the disease on to other people.

Some people, especially adults, can catch this virus without showing signs and symptoms of the disease.

Hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) or Singapore flu is not related to foot and mouth disease, which is a contagious viral disease from livestock.

You will not catch the Singapore flu from pets or other animals, and vice versa.

Risk factors

Who is at risk of catching Singapore flu?

There are several factors that put you at risk of catching the Singapore flu, namely:

Age. Toddlers are more prone to this condition.
Poor personal hygiene. This will provide more opportunities for the virus to infect the body.
Often in public places.

Singapore flu is a contagious disease, so if you are in contact with many people for a long time, you have a higher risk.

Even so, not having the risk factors above does not mean you cannot get this disease.

Consult your doctor for more information.

Complications

Complications due to the Singapore flu

The most common complication of Singapore flu in both adults and children is dehydration.

The reason is, this disease can cause sores in the mouth and throat, making it difficult and painful for children and other patients to swallow.

Make sure your child gets enough fluids during the Singapore flu. If dehydration is severe, intravenous (IV) fluids or IVs may be needed.

Singapore Flu is usually a mild illness that causes fever and mild symptoms.

Even so, form coxsackievirus rare and can attack the brain, causing other complications, namely:

Meningitis

This is a rare infection and inflammation of the membranes and cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Encephalitis

Inflammation of the brain is a severe and potentially life-threatening disease. This is an inflammation of the brain caused by a virus. This condition is rare.

Drugs & Medicines

The information provided is not a substitute for medical advice. ALWAYS consult a doctor or pharmacist.

What are the treatment options for Singapore flu in children?

There is no specific treatment for the Singapore flu. Quoted from the website of the Indonesian Pediatrician Association, the treatment is symptomatic to deal with the complaints it raises.

This means, the treatment is only to relieve the symptoms that appear.

Here are the treatment steps you can take:

Medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, might reduce fever and help control pain.
Gargle with warm salt water (1/2 tablespoon salt mixed in a glass of water).
Taking antacids and using topical gels can relieve pain in the mouth.
Drink lots of fluids as needed when you have a fever. The best fluids are mineral water or cold milk products.
Do not give your child salty, spicy or sour food as this can make the mouth ulcer painful or cause a burning sensation.
If the child's hands and feet are sore, keep the area of the skin clean and open.
Clean the chafed skin with warm water and soap, dry it properly.
Give your child soft foods if they have trouble swallowing, such as soup, porridge, or mashed potatoes.

To avoid spreading the disease, use separate utensils that are washed in hot water. You can also use disposable cutlery.

Boil the nipple and milk bottle separately from the bottle. Keep sick children away from other children.

What tests will need to be done for this condition?

There are stages of testing that need to be done when an adult or child experiences this condition.

First, the doctor will establish a diagnosis by examining the symptoms and looking at the rashes and spots.

Then, the doctor may take a sample of stool or fluid from the throat for testing.

Your doctor will likely be able to differentiate Singapore flu from other types of viral infections by considering:

Age
Signs and symptoms
The appearance of a rash and sores

Home remedies

What are the natural remedies for treating Singapore flu?

There are some lifestyle changes and home remedies below that may help with the Singapore flu:

Wash hands, especially after changing diapers and caring for children
Clean contaminated surface
Keep the sick child away from others
Use acetaminophen or warm compresses if you have a fever
Teach children to rinse with a salt solution to clean their mouths
Make sure the child rest until the fever is gone
Give your child plenty of fluids, but avoid drinks high in sugar, acid and soda

Prevention

How do you prevent the Singapore flu?

The following are ways to lower your risk of getting infected with the Singapore flu:

1. Wash hands properly

Make sure to wash your hands regularly and properly, especially after using the toilet or changing diapers.

You also need to wash your hands before preparing food and eating.

If soap and water are not available, use them hand sanitizer which contains germicidal alcohol.

2. Clean the common areas

Make it a habit to clean frequently used areas with soap and water, then clean again with a solution of chlorine bleach and water.

If you are leaving your child at a care center, find out what cleaning system there is.

Make sure they have strict standards and discipline when it comes to cleanliness, including shared items such as toys.

3. Teach cleanliness to your child

Give an example to the child to keep the body and the surrounding area clean.

Explain to them why they shouldn't put their fingers, hands, or any object in their mouths, especially if they haven't washed their hands.

4. Isolate the infected person

Singapore flu is classified as a highly contagious disease. That is why, people who have been infected must reduce their interactions with other people.

Do not take your child who is still infected to child care or school until the fever and mouth sores have healed.

If you have any questions, consult your doctor for the best solution to your problem.