Singapore flu is a popular term often used to refer to hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD). In several regions in Asia, this term is commonly used even though it is not officially recognized by health institutions.
Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is a viral infection common in young children but can also affect adults. What causes HFMD?
Recognize the Symptoms of Singapore Flu
HFMD or Singapore flu has initial symptoms similar to the common flu. These symptoms can develop into rashes and blisters. Children infected with Singapore flu may experience some or all of the symptoms. The symptoms of Singapore flu are as follows:
- Nasal congestion
- Fever
- Sore throat
- Feeling unwell
- Stomach ache
- Loss of appetite
- Fussiness in babies and toddlers
- Swelling of the lymph nodes
The appearance of blister-like lesions on the tongue, gums and inside of the cheeks. A rash appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and sometimes on the buttocks. This rash does not feel itchy but blisters.
These symptoms usually disappear within 7-10 days, but in children under 2 years of age the symptoms take longer to disappear.
Reasons why Singapore flu easily infects children
Singapore Flu (HFMD) is an infectious disease. This disease is caused by viruses from the Enterovirus family, especially Coxsackievirus A16 and Enterovirus 71.
These viruses can be transmitted through contact with infected body fluids, such as saliva, nasal mucus, fluid from blisters, and the feces of an infected person. These viruses can live in feces for weeks, even after the rash disappears.
Children, especially those under 5 years of age, are more easily infected with Singapore flu for several reasons, including:
Immature immune system
Children's immune systems are still developing and have not yet fully matured. This is why children are more susceptible to viral infections, including the virus that causes HFMD.
Intensive social contact
Children often interact intensively in the living environment, school, child care and playground. These places may not be completely free of germs, increasing the risk of disease transmission from one child to another.
Lack of cleanliness
Young children may not fully understand the importance of hygiene, including washing their hands regularly or avoiding contact with objects at risk of contamination. As a result, children become more susceptible to transmission of Singapore flu.
Vaccine limitations
Currently, no vaccine can prevent HFMD so children do not have immunity to this disease through vaccination.
It is best to teach children to wash their hands with soap and clean water regularly to prevent them from easily contracting the Singapore flu or other infections. Also, advise children to avoid direct contact with people who are sick. Teach children to cover their mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing, then dispose of the tissue properly after use.
There is no specific medicine that can cure the Singapore flu. If your child shows symptoms of Singapore flu, you can give him fever-reducing medication so that the child feels more comfortable. Keep children hydrated through enough water, fruit juice or soupy foods. You can consult with our doctor if you have other questions about the Singapore flu, via the Ai Care application which can be downloaded on the App Store or Play Store.
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- dr. Yuliana Inosensia
Mayo Clinic (2022). Hand-foot-and-mouth disease. Available from: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hand-foot-and-mouth-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20353035
Cleveland Clinic (2023). Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. Available from: https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11129-hand-foot-and-mouth-disease
CDC (2023). Symptoms of Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease. Available from: https://www.cdc.gov/hand-foot-mouth/about/signs-symptoms.html
The Royal Children's Hospital Melbourne (2018). Hand, foot and mouth disease. Available from: https://www.rch.org.au/kidsinfo/fact_sheets/hand_foot_and_mouth_disease/
Nationwide Children's Hospital (2023). What Is Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease?. Available from: https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/conditions/hand-foot-mouth-disease
Claire McCarthy, MD (2023). Boosting your child's immune system. Available from: https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/boosting-your-childs-immune-system-202110122614
