Singapore Flu Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
When you hear the name Singapore flu, you might think that the disease originated in Singapore. This is not the case.
It’s called the Singapore flu because cases of the disease had gone up in Singapore in 2000.
Singapore flu itself is a disease that causes a red rash and painful nodules on the hands, feet and mouth.
That is why Singapore flu is also known as foot, hand and mouth disease. Even so, these symptoms can also affect the legs and buttocks.
This disease generally heals within one week. Although adults can also be infected, infants and young children are more commonly affected, especially school children.
Singapore Flu or Foot, Hand and Mouth disease is a contagious infection caused by an enterovirus.
Singapore Flu
| Medical specialist | child specialist; general practitioners |
| Symptoms | Not very high fever, decreased appetite, weakness, fussiness, red rash, sore nodules in hands, feet, mouth, sore mouth and throat |
| risk factor | Infants and young children (less than 10 years), school children, children living in orphanages, people who do not maintain good hand hygiene |
| Diagnosis | Medical interview and physical examination by a doctor |
| Treatment | Supportive therapy, mouthwash, drinking enough water |
| Drug | Paracetamol, ibuprofen, mouthwash |
| Complications | Meningitis, sepsis |
| When to see a doctor? | Severe sore throat or symptoms that are experienced are severe |
Symptoms
Symptoms of Singapore flu can be started with signs such as:
- fever that is not too high
- decreased appetite
- weak
- red rash and painful nodules in several parts of the body
- mouth and throat pain
Reason
The most common causes of Singapore flu are coxsackie virus type A16 and enterovirus type A71.
Risk Factors
There are several factors that increase the risk of getting Singapore flu, namely:
- Infants and young children (less than 10 years of age)
- Child school or daycare
- Children living in orphanages
- People who do not keep their hands clean
Diagnosis
Establishing a diagnosis of Singapore flu does not require a special examination.
Usually, doctors only need to conduct medical interviews and physical examinations on patients.
Treatment
Foot, hand and mouth disease is generally mild and can heal in 7-10 days. Therefore, the way to treat Singapore flu is generally with supportive therapy. For example, administration of paracetamol or ibuprofen to treat fever and pain.
Mouthwash can also be given to help with sore throats. Also, make sure the patient drinks enough water to avoid dehydration.
Prevention
Some of the simple actions below can be taken to prevent the onset of Singapore flu, including:
- Wash your hands properly using soap and running water
- Disinfect rooms that are used by many people, including schools, as well as items used by your little one
- Teaching children about hygiene, such as washing their hands first, not putting their fingers in their mouths, and so on
- Isolate the infected person
Complications
The vast majority of Singapore flu have mild symptoms. However, a small proportion of sufferers can also experience severe Singapore flu symptoms which can lead to infection of the lining of the brain ( meningitis ) and severe overall infection ( sepsis ).
When to See a Doctor?
You can call the doctor when the little one has a severe sore throat that makes him not want to eat and drink.
Immediately see a doctor if the patient’s symptoms worsen.