Doctor recommends vaccination to prevent spread of Singapore flu

JAKARTA (ANTARA) - Paediatric specialist Handayani stated that vaccination can help enhance protection against the risk of transmission of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease (HFMD), also known as Singapore flu.

Dr Handayani, M.Ked (Ped), Sp.A explained that the virus causing the disease can spread through droplets, direct contact, or contaminated objects.

‘The causes of HFMD are varied, but the most dangerous is Enterovirus 71 or EV71,’ said the Royal Hospital Puri paediatric specialist during a discussion in Jakarta on Friday.

‘This virus is particularly resilient as it lacks a protective envelope (non-envelope virus), allowing it to survive on surfaces for up to a full day,’ she added.

She noted that EV71 can reach a child’s central nervous system, triggering severe complications such as severe dehydration, seizures, aseptic meningitis, and encephalitis, which can lead to cognitive impairment.

She also explained that one child infected with HFMD can transmit the virus to up to 12 other children.

To prevent the spread of the virus causing Singapore flu, she said the EV71 vaccine can be administered to children aged six months to 71 months in two doses, one month apart.

In addition to vaccination, the doctor stressed the importance of maintaining clean and healthy habits such as handwashing, disinfecting children’s toys, ensuring proper nutrition and hydration, and wearing masks in public spaces to prevent HFMD transmission.