Singapore Flu or commonly known as Hand , Foot , and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a disease caused by Coxsackievirus A16, Coxsackievirus A6, and Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71) which come from the Enterovirus group.
This disease is a disease that is transmitted between humans. You can get this disease if the virus enters your mouth, nose, and eyes. Singapore Flu (HFMD) can affect children, adults, and pregnant women.
Singapore flu disease (HFMD) is usually experienced by children under 5 years old, but pregnant women are also susceptible to this disease. So, is Singapore Flu or HFMD dangerous for pregnant women?
How to Get Singapore Flu?
Sufferers can transmit the disease before symptoms appear until several weeks after recovery. Here are the ways this disease is transmitted, namely:
1. Direct Contact with Sufferers
You can get HFMD if you directly touch the wounds of someone with HFMD. Close contact such as kissing, hugging, and sharing eating utensils is also not recommended.
2. Exposure to Droplet Fluids
Droplets from Singapore flu sufferers (HFMD) are very contagious. Viruses can spread through the air, so it is important to avoid people suffering from Singapore flu (HFMD) when they sneeze or cough.
3. Contact with objects contaminated with viruses
Viruses can live on objects such as cellphones and doorknobs. If you touch a surface contaminated with the virus and then touch your mouth, nose and eyes without washing your hands, you can catch it.
4. Contact with Feces
Feces of sufferers can also transmit Singapore flu (HFMD). After changing diapers, you should wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water.
Symptoms of Singapore Flu in Pregnant Women
Symptoms of Singapore flu (HFMD) in pregnant women are the same as those in other adult sufferers, namely as follows:
- Fever.
- Sore throat.
- Mouth sores.
- Decreased appetite.
- Coughing and vomiting.
- Stomach ache.
- There are sores that look like blisters on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks.
- A rash appears on parts of the body such as the soles of the feet, hands, and buttocks.
How to Avoid Singapore Flu
Although highly contagious, Singapore flu disease (HFMD) is preventable. Follow these steps to avoid this disease:
- Maintain cleanliness, wash hands after changing diapers and before touching the eyes, nose and mouth area.
- Do not share glasses, cutlery, clothes and cleaning tools with other people.
- Avoid and stay away from children or people close to the sufferer, especially during pregnancy.
- Wear a face mask, especially if you or someone around you has a cough or cold.
- Maintain fluid intake, dehydration can cause complications during pregnancy.
- Drink plenty of water, cold juice, or coconut water to prevent dehydration.
- Eat soft or cold foods (e.g. porridge, cold yogurt) if your mouth feels sore. - Get Enough Rest
The body needs rest so that the immune system can fight infection.
Treatment for Singapore flu (HFMD) in pregnant women is not the same as for other adult sufferers, because taking certain medications can have an impact on pregnancy.
This disease can heal itself in 7-10 days, but proper treatment is needed so that symptoms can heal quickly while avoiding complications.
How Dangerous is Singapore Flu for Pregnant Women?
This infectious disease is not dangerous for pregnant women, but it still requires proper and fast treatment. You need to know some things about this disease in pregnant women.
Singapore flu (HFMD) becomes higher risk if pregnant women contract the virus near the time of delivery. This infection increases the risk of fetal death ( stillbirth ) or newborn babies suffering from Singapore flu (HFMD).
If you are pregnant, take care of your and your fetus' health by preventing Singapore flu disease (HFMD). Monitor symptoms, get enough rest, and stay hydrated.
Consult an obstetrician if symptoms do not improve, suffer from Singapore flu (HFMD) nearing delivery, or when fetal movement decreases. This is done to avoid the risk of complications.
Article written by dr. Andika Sauw, Sp.OG F.MAS (Obstetrics and Gynecology Specialist at EMC Hospital Tangerang).