Understanding Singapore Flu: Symptoms and Effective Treatments

Always be aware of disease spread to protect yourself and your loved ones. Recently, a fast-spreading disease called Singapore flu has appeared. You need to understand why this disease is important. Recognize the symptoms and learn how to treat them properly!

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Singapore flu is known as a highly contagious infection. It spreads mainly among children, though adults can also catch it. Anyone with this disease should receive optimal care at home or in a health facility to recover quickly and avoid spreading it to others.

Generally, Singapore flu is caused by a strain of coxsackievirus, commonly known as A16. This virus is part of the enterovirus group and can spread quickly from person to person. In extreme cases, the virus can spread to the mouth, around the tonsils, into the digestive system, and throughout the body via the bloodstream. However, the body's immune system usually fights the spread of the virus. This is why enough rest and healthy food are important during the recovery phase when infected with Singapore flu.

Common ways of transmission that cause the flu:

• Mucus from the nose or throat when sneezing.
• Saliva droplets when coughing.
• Fluid from blisters.
• Touching contaminated surfaces.
• Sharing eating and drinking utensils with an infected person.
• Touching your eyes, nose, or mouth without washing your hands after contact with an infected person who hasn't washed their hands after using the toilet.

Now that you know what Singapore flu is, let’s understand the symptoms of this disease. As mentioned, the symptoms are quite visible in children or anyone infected.

These symptoms appear a few days after a person is infected with the A16 virus, which means the virus needs time to incubate and cause visible physical effects. Some of the most noticeable symptoms are:

• Loss of appetite.
• Red rash on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks.
• Blisters on the tongue, gums, or inside the cheeks.
• Abdominal pain.
• High fever and coughing.
• Sores in the gums and tongue.
• Sore throat.
• Constant irritability or restlessness.

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Possible Complications of Singapore Flu

Singapore flu mainly affects the mouth, causing painful sores that can make it hard to drink enough fluids, leading to dehydration. However, there are also rare or serious complications to be aware of, such as:

1. Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain, seen in some children with Singapore flu, though rare.
2. Meningitis: Inflammation of the protective layers of the brain and spinal cord, needing immediate medical treatment.
3. Paralysis and Onycholysis: Paralysis can result from the A16 virus. Additionally, fingernails and toenails may fall off, indicating severe illness.
4. Other Complications: Conditions like myocarditis, polio, and others that can threaten the patient's life.

Prevention and Treatment Steps

According to an article on Halodoc, there is no cure for Singapore flu yet. However, there are steps to speed up recovery.

Prevention Tips You Can Do:

• Isolate the infected person until they recover to prevent spreading.
• Teach children to wash their hands properly with antiseptic soap and running water.
• Regularly clean areas or objects suspected of virus contamination with disinfectant.
• Avoid sharing personal items with an infected person.
• Cover your mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing.

Treatment for Singapore Flu Step by Step:

If you catch the Singapore flu, don't panic. Here are some simple steps from Siloam Hospitals to help patients recover quickly:

• First, give cold drinks to soothe a sore throat.
• Second, avoid acidic or spicy foods and drinks.
• Third, serve soft foods to make swallowing easier.
• Fourth, ensure the patient stays hydrated to prevent dehydration.
• Fifth, provide enough rest every day.
• Sixth, use anti-itch cream and rash ointments recommended by a doctor.
• Seventh, gargle with warm salt water to ease throat pain.

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Until today, Singapore flu still spreads easily. Therefore, strict prevention can greatly help protect yourself and others from the virus, whether you're at home or traveling abroad to high-infection areas.

Now that you're familiar with Singapore flu and its symptoms, it's essential to keep these points in mind for greater awareness. When traveling abroad, it's wise to think about securing international health insurance, such as AXA Insurance Indonesia's SmartMedicare International Insurance. This insurance plan is designed to address your health needs globally, providing support for concerns like Singapore flu. It covers various medical aspects, including inpatient, outpatient, dental, maternity care, and more, based on the policy terms. Rely on AXA Insurance Indonesia and enjoy your travels with maximum protection!

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