TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Singapore flu or Hand, Foot, and Mouth Disease (HFMD) is different from seasonal flu, despite exhibiting similar symptoms, according to a pulmonologist at the Jakarta Sulianti Saroso Infectious Disease Hospital (RSPI), Pompini A. Sitompul.

“[The symptoms of both illnesses are] fever, sore throat, fatigue, while seasonal flu is accompanied by a cough, usually a dry cough and body aches. That's the difference,” Pompini said in the Health Ministry’s broadcast released on Wednesday, April 3.

He explained that viruses that cause the two diseases are different. According to him, the Singapore flu is caused by the Coxsackie A16 virus and Enterovirus A71, which can cause catastrophic events in some countries. In Asia Pacific countries, the outbreak is caused by Enterovirus A71, whereas in Europe and the United States, it is caused by the Coxsackie A16 virus.

Infants and children are most frequently affected by the virus, but adults are also susceptible. It is spread primarily through direct contact from one sick person to another through saliva or contaminated objects.

Children are more susceptible to contracting the Singapore flu

The occurrence of Singapore flu follows a seasonal pattern that varies depending on the climate of each country. In several countries such as Australia, the United States, Hong Kong, China, and Taiwan, the disease occurs during seasons with warm temperatures.

“In countries where the climate is warm throughout the year, transmission can occur year-round. For example, in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Vietnam,” Pompini explained.

On the same occasion, a pediatric specialist from RSPI, Nuraliza, explained that people infected with Singapore flu may have lesions or water-filled nodules on their body, such as on the hands, feet, or even inside the mouth, causing pain when swallowing.

ANTARA

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