Singapore Flu is a disease caused by a highly contagious infection. This disease belongs to the class of hand, foot and mouth disease (Hand, Mouth and Foot Disease (HMFD)). Singapore Flu is more common in children, especially children under the age of 10. It often occurs in children under 5 years. This disease can also affect adults, although it is rare.
Symptoms of Singapore Flu generally begin with a fever of 1-3 days and the appearance of blisters or sores in the mouth and a rash on the hands and feet. In some cases, these injuries also appear on the elbows, buttocks, knees and groin. Generally, the symptoms that arise are generally mild so they can disappear by themselves after a few days.
Actually, there is no drug or vaccine that can treat and prevent this flu. Therefore, children with this disease need to receive intensive care at home so they can recover more quickly and be able to return to their usual activities and play with their peers.
Causes of Singapore Flu
Singapore Flu is caused by the Oxsackievirus strain A16 . Coxsackievirus is part of a group of viruses called Enteroviruses . This type of virus spreads easily from one person to another.
The virus will start attacking the mouth, around the tonsils and into the digestive system. Ultimately, this virus will spread throughout the body through the bloodstream. Singapore flu can spread to other people in the following ways:
- Liquid or droplets from the nose or throat that come out when sneezing.
- Saliva or spit that is thrown into the air when coughing.
- Fluid coming from the blister.
- Objects that have been contaminated by the feces of sufferers.
Symptoms of Singapore Flu
When attacked by the Singapore Flu virus, the body can cause the following symptoms:
- High fever and sore throat.
- Lost appetite.
- There are blister-like sores on the tongue, gums, and inside of the cheeks.
- There is a red rash.
- Babies and toddlers are irritable.
- Stomach ache.
Singapore Flu Treatment
Singapore Flu can recover in less than one week or more than one week without treatment at the hospital, enough treatment with symptoms that appear ( Symptomatic ) at home. Because the Singapore Flu is caused by a virus, in the treatment of the Singapore Flu there is no need to take antibiotics to relieve it. The treatments that can be done while at home are:
- Administering fever-reducing drugs can be done to relieve fever symptoms. However, do not carelessly give fever-reducing drugs, because some drugs are not suitable for consumption by children. Unless it has been prescribed by a doctor.
- Get enough rest and plenty of cold drinks to reduce sore throat.
- Avoid sour and spicy foods or drinks, to avoid a burning feeling in the wound.
Prevention of Singapore Flu
To reduce the risk of spreading Singapore Flu, there are several ways you can do it, namely:
- Isolate Singapore Flu sufferers until they are declared cured.
- Routinely to clean areas suspected of being contaminated with the virus.
- Frequently wash hands with soap.
- Teach children not to put anything in their mouths before washing their hands.
- Don't kiss a child who has the Singapore Flu.
- Avoid various equipment or personal items with people with Singapore Flu.
When to See a Doctor?
Singapore Flu is classified as a mild illness and only causes a fever for a few days accompanied by mild symptoms. If a child has a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, it's a good idea to have this condition checked. Get your child checked immediately at a trusted hospital if they don't get better or even get worse.
Immediately seek treatment if the child has a high fever, because some children have seizures because the temperature is > 41̊ C. Some children are very fussy and have difficulty eating or drinking, so they are dehydrated and must be treated.
Article written by dr. Amy Diana Ruth Oppusunggu, Sp.A (Child Specialist at EMC Sentul Hospital).