Singapore Flu: Causes, Symptoms, Transmission Process, Treatment

Singapore flu most often affects children, and you never know where your child will get the virus.

To prevent and recognize the signs of whether your child is infected with Singapore flu, here’s what you can do. 

What is Singapore Flu?

It is called Singapore flu not because this flu disease originated from Singapore, but rather because this disease had an epidemic in Singapore around the 2000s.

At that time, the Singapore government had to issue a policy to temporarily close swimming pools and children’s play areas to prevent further spread of this disease.

Singapore flu is an acute systemic infectious disease caused by a virus from the genus Enterovirus which is highly contagious.

It generally infects children aged 2 weeks to 5 years, both boys and girls (with a ratio of 1:1) and does not recognize race.

This disease easily attacks young people because the child’s immune system is still weak, although it can also attack adults, albeit in small numbers.

People with Singapore flu usually find that their skin develops blisters or sores filled with water and wounds around the mouth (mucosa), palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

The bumps can also appear on the elbows, buttocks, knees, and groin. That is why this disease is also called HFMD or Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease – because it usually attacks the feet, hands, and mouth. 

However, HFMD is not the same as foot and mouth disease which attacks animals, Mother.

So far, cases of Singapore flu in children have occurred mostly in Asia Pacific countries such as Japan, Malaysia, Singapore, China and Thailand.

This disease usually comes and spreads in summer or autumn and also the rainy season–or can be obtained at any time throughout the year.

Process of Transmission and Spread

The virus that causes HFMD lurks in the body fluids of infected people, including:

Secretion of saliva Mucus from nose and throat  Fluid from abrasions or scabs Stool or feces

The fluids of an infected person can spread and be transmitted to other people through:

Contact with respiratory droplets containing virus particles from an infected person through coughing or sneezing. Direct contact with an infected person or other close contact, such as kissing, hugging, sharing eating or bathing utensils.  Touching the feces of an infected person, such as when changing a diaper and then touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Touching a surface contaminated with the virus, such as a doorknob or toy, and then touching his eyes, nose and mouth.

The course of Singapore flu is very simple and short.

After a child comes into contact with the virus, the virus will incubate in his body for 3-6 days (called the first week).

After that, the next ‘journey’ of the virus in the child’s body begins to enter the child’s pharynx and intestines, then enters the lymphoid tissue, and then spreads to the regional lymph nodes and blood (viremia).

Then, symptoms of skin lesions appear on the child’s hands, feet and mouth.

It is rare for people to become infected with the Singapore flu virus after swallowing water from a swimming pool .

However, this can happen if the water is not treated properly with chlorine and is contaminated with feces from people who have Singapore flu. 

People with Singapore flu are usually most contagious during the first week of their illness.

And even then, the virus can still be transmitted to others days or weeks after symptoms have gone away or if the person has no symptoms at all.

Causes of Singapore Flu Disease

As explained above, the cause of Singapore flu is enterovirus.

The following are several types of viruses from the Enterovirus family that can cause HFMD, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) website, namely:

Coxsackievirus A16, is the most common cause of HFMD in the United States. Other types of coxsackieviruses can also cause this disease. Coxsackievirus A6 can also cause HFMD and the symptoms are usually more severe. Enterovirus 71 (EV-A71), a type of virus that causes HFMD is associated with cases and outbreaks in East and Southeast Asia. Although rare, EV-A71 has also been linked to more severe illnesses such as encephalitis (brain swelling). Diagnosis of Singapore Flu Disease

The doctor will ask you about what symptoms your child is experiencing and look at the wounds or rashes on his skin. This method is usually enough to decide whether your baby is infected with HFMD or not.

The doctor will also swab your child’s throat, or take a sample of your child’s stool or blood for laboratory testing.

Risk Factors

One of the conditions that is a risk factor for Singapore flu is the child’s age. Most children who contract this disease are in the age range of 5 to 7 years.

This flu is also easily spread through person-to-person contact, so children in daycare are particularly vulnerable to infection.

However, it is possible that someone older could also be infected. 

Older children and adults are thought to have immunity to Singapore flu.

This is because older people’s bodies are used to building antibodies after being exposed to the virus that causes the disease. However, some teenagers and adults still occasionally get the disease.

Differences between Singapore Flu and Smallpox

Despite having some similar characteristics, Singapore flu and smallpox are two different things. Here are some differences between the two diseases: 

The incubation period for Singapore flu is around 3 to 6 days, while chickenpox is around 10 to 21 days. Both diseases are characterized by symptoms and signs of rash formation, malaise, and fever. However, chickenpox rash starts from the body and then spreads over the next 7 to 10 days to the entire head, arms, and legs. While the rash due to Singapore flu develops mainly in the mouth, hands and feet. Both diseases have rashes that often form blisters (vesicles). Virusvaricella zoster(VZV) causes chickenpox, whilecoxsackievirusA-16 is the cause of most cases of swine flu. VSV can remain in the spinal cord of patients and, over many years, reactivate and cause shingles (especially in older adults). VSV can also cause problems in the fetus if the mother is infected, especially in the last 2 weeks of pregnancy. Both diseases share the rare but serious complications of encephalitis and dehydration. A vaccine is available for chickenpox but there is no vaccine against varicella zoster. Medical treatment for severe chickenpox is available (acyclovirand varicellazoster immunoglobulin), but there is no specific treatment for Singapore flu except supportive care. Symptoms of Singapore Flu Early Symptoms  Fever. Generally, Singapore flu disease begins with the appearance of a high fever .  Feeling unwell (malaise). There is a rash. Day Two and Beyond Over the next day, the rash turns into painful blisters in the child’s mouth, usually on the back or on their tongue. Ulcers may also appear around the gums and inside the cheeks. Blisters or fluid-filled blisters will also appear around the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and if severe sometimes on the buttocks and groin. Canker sores and sore throat . Loss of appetite. The above condition will cause pain when drinking, eating, or swallowing.  An easily irritated nature makes the sufferer appear fussy and easily angered. Acute fatigue.

However, there are also some children who are infected with this virus without experiencing symptoms.

This is what causes these children to continue coming to daycare and school, and then unknowingly transmitting the virus to other children. 

Singapore Flu Treatment

There is no cure or vaccine for hand, foot, and mouth disease or HFMD. And, because this disease is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not help overcome it. 

Usually this disease will disappear on its own after 7 to 10 days of the child being infected. 

In the meantime, you can help your child feel better by giving:

Over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen or mouth sprays can help numb the pain. Do not use aspirin, which can cause serious illness in children. Anti-itch lotions, such as calamine, to treat rashes. Cold snacks such as popsicles, yogurt , or smoothies to soothe a sore throat are usually recommended by doctors. Avoid giving your little one juices and sodas that contain acid because they can irritate the wound. Complications Caused by Singapore Flu

Serious complications from hand, foot, and mouth disease are rare, but Enterovirus 71 is more likely to cause problems than other HFMD viruses.

Some complications that can result from Singapore flu are:

Dehydration if canker sores make it difficult to swallow fluids Swelling of the membranes around the brain and spinal cord ( viral meningitis ) Brain swelling (encephalitis) Paralysis Swelling of the heart muscle (myocarditis) Treatment for Children Infected with Singapore Flu

Generally, Singapore flu clears up on its own without treatment, although medication may be needed to clear it up if the blisters are very painful and uncomfortable. 

Febrifuge

According to pediatric specialist Dr. Effendi, SpA., the most important thing to care for children with HFMD is to always have a fever reducer ready (either paracetamol or ibuprofen).

A doctor may also prescribe pain relieving ointment for blisters, especially if the blisters are very severe and causing the child a lot of discomfort.

Give plenty to drink

Canker sores can cause pain when swallowing in children. They also tend to eat less than usual.

Therefore, make sure your child gets enough nutritious fluids to keep his/her body strong against viruses and avoid dehydration .

Child Isolation

If possible, isolate the child temporarily to prevent transmission to other family members and friends. 

Improve Nutrition

Even if your child’s appetite has not returned and he still has difficulty swallowing, continue to give him highly nutritious foods.

You can get around this by giving your child softer foods with a less strong taste, such as porridge and chicken soup. 

Plenty of rest

Make sure your little one gets enough rest.

Maintain cleanliness

Encourage your child to wash their hands and bathe twice a day. Make sure you clean their room and disinfect every object or equipment they frequently touch. 

After 8-10 days from the start of the child being infected, generally the child will start to recover on their own.

However, if during this period, parents still feel that there are no signs that their child’s condition is improving, immediately take your little one to a pediatrician and have them examined.

Signs of Singapore Flu Having Been Cured

Usually children with Singapore flu will recover on their own within 7 to 10 days.

There is no specific treatment that can be done to treat this condition.

However, mothers can treat various symptoms experienced by their children and prevent them from becoming dehydrated when they are sick.

When Should Mothers Be Alert?

If your child’s condition does not improve, it is a good idea to immediately take your child to the doctor, especially if he or she experiences the following:

Dehydrated child . Can be seen urinating infrequently (not urinating for more than 6 hours) and the volume of urine is very small. Don’t want to eat at all. The fever lasted more than 3 days and did not go down. Children sleep a lot, are often sleepy, and experience decreased consciousness. Seizures . Children do have a weak immune system (the body’s ability to fight germs and disease).  The symptoms experienced by the child became increasingly severe and did not improve after 10 days. The child is still very young – under 6 months old. How to Prevent Transmission of HFMD 

The highest risk of transmission occurs during the first 7 days of the sufferer being infected and experiencing pain.

After that, the virus remains in the sufferer’s body for days or weeks and can still be transmitted through their saliva or feces. 

To prevent infection and reduce the possibility of contamination, you can follow these steps: 

Wash your hands regularly and carefully, especially when wiping your child’s face, after changing diapers or feeding them. Teach your child to wash their hands frequently. Avoid sick people. If your little one’s immune system is low, he or she will be at greater risk of contracting diseases.  Teach children to cover their mouth and nose, especially when they sneeze or cough. Wipes are best, but their sleeves work too. Vice versa, teach your little one to avoid people who are coughing or sneezing. Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces and shared items in the home, such as toys and doorknobs. Teach your child not to hug other people or touch objects carelessly wherever he or she is, such as at the mall, daycare or school.  Teach children not to share eating utensils with their friends, such as cups or spoons.  Do not send your child to school or daycare if a friend has been diagnosed with Singapore flu.  Popular Questions Regarding Singapore Flu

Singapore flu is a disease that often attacks children. Here are some frequently asked questions about this disease:

How can you get Singapore flu?

Children can get this disease due to a virus. Transmission of this virus can spread from one infected person to another. The spread of the virus can occur through: 

Nasal and throat secretions, such as saliva, or nasal mucus Fluid from an open wound Dirt What do Singapore flu spots look like?

Singapore flu spots can appear on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. In addition, other parts of the body that show symptoms of spots are on the buttocks, legs, and arms.

The rash usually does not appear itchy and looks like flat or slightly raised red spots, sometimes with blisters that have a reddish area at the base. 

Is Singapore flu dangerous?

This disease is usually not dangerous. Most children infected with this virus can recover on their own without receiving special medical treatment.

How long does it take to recover from Singapore flu?

Most people who are exposed to Singapore flu can recover on their own within 7 to 10 days.

What can’t you eat with Singapore flu?

One of the symptoms that may be felt by people with Singapore flu is mouth ulcers.

So avoid foods that can worsen the condition, such as foods that are too spicy or sour, as well as hot drinks that can be painful.

Can Singapore flu be given powder?

Actually, the use of powder on the rash that appears on the child’s skin due to this disease is allowed. Its purpose is to reduce the itching that is experienced.

However, do not overdo it because you are worried that it will actually make the rash spread even more.

Is Singapore flu itchy?

This rash appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes the buttocks and is usually not itchy.

However, in some cases, the rash can blister and ooze fluid. 

Can coconut water cure Singapore flu?

There are no specific studies that show that coconut water can cure Singapore flu in children.

However, coconut water contains various nutrients needed by the body and can also prevent dehydration. So that consuming coconut water can still have a positive impact on children who are affected.

Can you take a shower when you have Singapore flu?

There is no specific prohibition for children exposed to Singapore flu to bathe. Instead, children should maintain body hygiene to avoid other viral infections.

Hopefully the information above is useful and increases your knowledge, Parents .

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Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
https://www.webmd.com/children/guide/hand-foot-mouth-disease

Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD)
https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/index.html#:~:text=Hand%2C%20Foot%2C%20and%20Mouth%20Disease%20(HFMD),-Espa%C3%B1ol%20(Spanish)&text=Hand%2C%20foot%2C%20and%20mouth%20disease%20is%20common%20in%20children%20under,and%20mouth%20disease%20spreads%20easily. 

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease (HFMD)
https://emedicine.medscape.com/article/218402-overview?src=soc_fb_share

Hand-foot-and-mouth disease

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353035

Republished with permission from theAsianParent Indonesia