Hello GBM Friends...!!! Singapore flu, also known as Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease (HFMD), is an infectious disease that generally occurs in children aged 5-10 years. However, this disease is more likely to attack children under 5 years of age.

This disease is caused by the Coxsackie virus, which belongs to the Enterovirus family. This virus can spread through direct contact with sufferers' body fluids, such as saliva, nasal mucus and feces. Apart from that, the virus can also spread through air droplets produced when sufferers cough or sneeze.

The initial symptoms of Singapore Flu are generally similar to the common flu, such as fever, runny nose and sore throat. However, a few days after the initial symptoms appear, children infected with the Coxsackie virus usually experience a red rash on the hands, feet and mouth. This rash may turn into water-filled spots or painful blisters.

Although symptoms are generally mild and resolve on their own within one to two weeks, it is important to take appropriate precautions to reduce the risk of spreading the disease. One effective way of prevention is to maintain personal hygiene and the surrounding environment.

Ensuring children wash their hands frequently with soap and running water, especially before eating and after using the toilet, can help reduce the risk of transmitting the virus. In addition, avoid sharing eating utensils, drinking and toys with other children who may be infected.

If your child experiences symptoms of Singapore flu, consult a doctor immediately to get a proper diagnosis and necessary treatment. Your doctor may recommend symptomatic treatment, such as drinking plenty of fluids, eating soft foods, and using ointments to reduce the pain of the rash.

In rare cases, Singapore flu can cause serious complications, such as meningitis or encephalitis. Therefore, it is very important for parents to monitor the development of the disease in their children and seek immediate medical attention if symptoms worsen or do not improve after a few days.

Causes of Singapore Flu

Singapore flu is caused by the Coxsackie virus, especially type A16. This virus spreads through direct contact with sufferers' body fluids, such as saliva, phlegm and feces. Transmission can also occur through touching objects contaminated with the virus.

The Coxsackie virus can survive on surfaces such as toys, tables and eating utensils for several hours to several days. Therefore, it is important to maintain personal hygiene and hygiene, especially in children who are more susceptible to infections.

The spread of the Coxsackie virus mainly occurs in places with high crowds, such as schools, playgrounds and shopping centers. Children who do not yet have strong immunity to this virus are more likely to be infected.

The initial symptoms of the Singapore flu are often similar to the common cold, such as fever, runny nose, cough and sore throat. However, Singapore flu can also cause additional symptoms such as headaches, muscle aches and characteristic skin rashes.

Singapore flu is usually more common in summer and autumn, although infections can occur year-round. This is due to warmer weather conditions and higher population density in that season.

To prevent the spread of Singapore flu, it is important to maintain hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly using soap and running water. In addition, avoid direct contact with infected people and keep away from places infected with the Coxsackie virus.

If you or your child experiences symptoms of Singapore flu, consult a doctor immediately for proper diagnosis and treatment. Although Singapore flu usually resolves on its own within one to two weeks, it is important to get appropriate medical treatment to reduce the risk of possible complications.

Singapore Flu Symptoms

Singapore flu generally starts with a mild fever, followed by the appearance of small red spots on the mouth, hands and feet. These spots can become watery sores or become painful vesicles. Some children may also experience sore throats, coughs and runny noses.

Other symptoms that may appear include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain. In some cases, especially in children who are more susceptible, Singapore flu can cause serious complications such as inflammation of the brain or inflammation of the heart.

A mild fever is one of the most common early symptoms of Singapore flu. The body temperature of infected children can rise to 38-39 degrees Celsius. Apart from that, small red spots in the mouth, hands and feet are also a typical sign of this disease. These spots can be painful and may develop into watery sores or larger vesicles. Usually, these spots will heal by themselves within one to two weeks.

Not only that, some children can also experience other symptoms such as sore throat, cough and runny nose. A sore throat can make it difficult for children to swallow and feel uncomfortable when eating or drinking. Coughs and runny noses are also common with Singapore flu, although these symptoms may not be as severe as with the common cold. Children who experience these symptoms will usually feel tired and lethargic.

Other symptoms that may appear include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and muscle pain. Loss of appetite can cause children to lose weight and become weak. Nausea and vomiting may also occur, especially after eating or drinking. Diarrhea can also occur as the body's response to a viral infection. Muscle pain can also be felt, especially in the back, neck and head area.

The complications that may occur with the Singapore flu are inflammation of the brain or encephalitis. This is a serious condition and can cause permanent damage to the brain. Symptoms of encephalitis include high fever, severe headache, seizures, and changes in behavior. Apart from that, inflammation of the heart or myocarditis can also occur as a complication of Singapore flu. This is a condition where the heart becomes inflamed and can cause heart rhythm disturbances or heart failure.

Singapore flu, also known as Coxsackie virus, is an illness caused by a virus that can spread rapidly among children. Common symptoms of Singapore flu include fever, sore throat, skin rash, and muscle aches. Although Singapore flu is usually not dangerous, it can cause discomfort and disrupt children's daily activities.

To prevent the spread of Singapore flu, there are several steps you can take. Firstly, maintaining personal hygiene is very important. Children should be taught to wash their hands with soap and running water after using the toilet, before eating, and after playing outside. Avoid sharing eating utensils, glasses and towels with other people. Apart from that, keeping the environment clean is also important. Ensure that children's living areas and play areas remain clean and hygienic. Clean frequently touched surfaces, such as toys, tables and door handles, with an appropriate disinfectant. Wash clothes, towels and linens in hot water to kill the virus.

Avoiding contact with Singapore flu sufferers is also an important step in preventing the spread of the virus. If a family member or friend is diagnosed with Singapore flu, avoid direct contact with them during the illness. Also avoid visiting places affected by the Singapore flu outbreak. Furthermore, maintaining body immunity is also very important. Having a strong immune system can help protect children from Singapore flu infection. Make sure your child gets enough nutrition, gets enough sleep, and maintains a healthy lifestyle. Vaccination can also help increase the body's immunity against certain viruses.

If your child is diagnosed with Singapore flu, it is important to isolate them from other children to prevent the spread of the virus. Keep children at home and not attend school or daycare until they are fully recovered and no longer infectious. By following the preventive measures above, you can help protect children from Singapore flu and reduce the risk of it spreading. If symptoms of Singapore flu appear in your child, immediately consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.