Protect Your Kids: Understanding Singapore Flu, Symptoms, and Prevention

After the challenging years of the Covid-19 pandemic from 2020 to 2023, it's important to stay alert to new diseases, especially in children. Singapore flu cases in kids are on the rise, but with the right steps, you can protect your little ones.

Singapore flu, also known as hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD),  affects the hands, feet, and mouth due to viral infection. Children under the age of 10 are the most vulnerable to this disease.

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Singapore Flu in Kids Explained

Singapore flu is caused by the coxsackievirus strain A16. The virus spreads from the mouth to the tonsils and digestive system, then throughout the body via the bloodstream, causing various symptoms in children. It is easily transmitted through direct contact, droplets on objects, broken skin, and feces. Like the flu and Covid-19, it spreads quickly, so strict health protocols are essential.

Observing the Emerging Symptoms

Pediatric specialist Dr. Edi Hartoyo explained in a bbc.com article from April 2024 that the main sign of Singapore flu in children is the appearance of skin lesions (bumps, spots, sores) on the palms, soles, and mouth. Common symptoms include fever and loss of appetite, making the child appear lethargic and weak. Other symptoms include pain when swallowing, coughing, runny nose, diarrhea, and vomiting, as reported by IDAI in Banjarmasin during the 2016 outbreak. Additional symptoms to watch for include:

• Red rashes on the hands, feet, mouth, and buttocks
• Mouth ulcers on the gums and tongue
• Blister-like sores on the tongue, gums, and inside the cheeks
• Abdominal pain in children
• continuously irritable for no apparent reason

For a more accurate diagnosis, it is recommended to visit a trusted paediatrician. When several of the above symptoms occur, you should promptly take the child to the doctor for medical history or interviews.

The doctor will perform a physical examination and blood tests to confirm the condition of the child that are suspected of having Singapore flu.

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7 Proven Tips to Prevent Singapore Flu and 4 Essential Treatment Steps

Since Singapore flu spreads similarly to the coronavirus, preventive measures are also quite similar. Here are some effective steps to protect yourself and your family:

Prevention Steps:

• Isolate the Infected: Keep those with Singapore flu isolated to prevent spreading the virus to children and others. This also helps the patient recover more quickly.
• Avoid Physical Contact: Stay away from direct physical contact with those infected with Singapore flu.
• Strict Health Protocols: Reinforce strict health protocols. Teach children to wash their hands with soap and running water before and after activities.
• Regular Cleaning: Frequently clean areas and objects suspected of being contaminated by the virus. This includes doorknobs, tables, glasses, beds, and remote controls.
• Avoid Sharing Personal Items: Do not share personal items, especially with those infected. This helps minimize transmission channels and keeps children safe from infection.
• Wear Masks: Use masks when communicating or in contact with infected individuals.
• Proper Cough and Sneeze Etiquette: Practice good cough and sneeze etiquette by covering your nose and mouth with a handkerchief, tissue, or elbow to prevent droplet spread.

If your child is infected, here are simple steps to manage symptoms and aid recovery:

• Fever Relief: Give fever reducers like paracetamol or ibuprofen.
• Maintain Nutrition and Hydration: Ensure your child stays hydrated and gets enough nutrition to aid recovery and prevent dehydration.
• Mouth Ulcer Gel: Use doctor-prescribed gels to relieve mouth ulcers.
• Skin Care: Apply skin ointments and calamine lotion to reduce itching, rashes, and blisters. Make sure to use ointments recommended by a doctor.

If the condition is not severe, doctors may allow home care with some recommendations. However, for more severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary for closer monitoring.

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While the spread of Singapore flu in Indonesia is not widespread, some countries report high numbers of cases in children. If you and your family plan to travel abroad, it is wise to prepare physically and consider reliable international health insurance.

SmartMedicare International Insurance from PT AXA Insurance Indonesia is an excellent choice. It provides peace of mind by ensuring better healthcare coverage with annual limits up to US$2.9 million and worldwide coverage options. PT AXA Insurance Indonesia understands your needs for a comfortable and safe journey, especially when dealing with health issues like Singapore flu in children during travel.

References:

• https://www.siloamhospitals.com/informasi-siloam/artikel/flu-singapura-pada-anak
• https://www.alodokter.com/flu-singapura-pada-bayi-kenali-gejala-dan-cara-menanganinya
• https://www.halodoc.com/artikel/pilihan-obat-flu-singapura-yang-aman-dan-bantu-redakan-gejala
• https://www.klikdokter.com/penyakit/masalah-pernapasan/flu-singapura
• https://dinkes.tanatidungkab.go.id/informasi/berita/waspada-flu-singapura-hfmd-kenali-gejala-cara-penularan-dan-cara-mencegahnya
• https://www.bbc.com/indonesia/articles/ckvwwnxyvk9o
• https://www.cnnindonesia.com/gaya-hidup/20240418070252-255-1087501/orang-tua-wajib-tahu-begini-cara-penanganan-flu-singapura-pada-anak
• https://www.emc.id/id/care-plus/anak-menderita-flu-singapura-berikut-cara-mengobatinya
• https://herminahospitals.com/id/articles/anak-terinfeksi-flu-singapura-ini-cara-mengatasinya.html
• https://persadahospital.co.id/artikel/kenali-gejala-flu-singapura-dan-cara-pengobatannya