Common Infections in Singapore
by: Dr. Paul Chang, General Practitioner, Regis Medical
Infections are very common in Singapore ranging from a common cold to the recent global pandemic Covid-19. An infection occurs when germs invade and grow within the body. These germs may be in the form of bacteria, viruses, yeast, fungi, or other microorganisms. These germs may infect any part of the body and can spread throughout the body if left untreated.
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Common Infections in Singapore
Infections are very common and can sometimes be very deadly in rare cases. Singapore offers a range of vaccinations for infectious diseases that can be vaccine-prevented. These types of diseases can often lead to health complications, making vaccination an important step in safeguarding your health. Common infectious diseases include: Influenza, Tetanus, Hepatitis B, Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) and Varicella (VAR).
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What is an Infection?
When germs invade and grow within the body, these microorganisms can spread within the body or to other people. Our immune system will usually be capable of fighting off these germs, but may sometimes be overwhelmed by the infection, which may cause harm to our body. These microorganisms, or pathogens, can produce toxins or inflammatory substances that cause our bodies to react negatively. This reaction can range from mild to severe and can be life-threatening in rare cases. Invading pathogens can come in the form of bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites, varying in size, shape, function and how they act on the body.
Types of Infections
As mentioned earlier, there are different types of infections that depend on the type of pathogens invading the body. Due to the large list of possible infections, this article will focus on the more common and harmful types of infections.
Viral Infections
Viral infections happen when the body is infected by a virus. These viruses attach themselves to your cells, releasing their genetic material. This causes your cells to replicate the virus, allowing the virus to multiple within the body. When these cells die, they release more viruses, which infect more cells. However, some viruses can change the function of your cells. For example, the human papillomavirus (HPV) can cause your cells to replicate uncontrollably, leading to cancer. Some viruses may also remain dormant within your body and can reactivate in the future, causing sickness.
Examples of viral infections include:
- Human papillomavirus
- Influenza
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Herpes
Viral infections that are easily transmittable from person to person can cause problems for both individuals and society. The global COVID-19 pandemic is a reminder of how dangerous these infections can be. Singapore recorded 1,546 deaths due to COVID-19 amongst 1,781,162 recorded cases of infection. In addition to this, the recent outbreak of monkeypox has also reached Singapore. Declared a global health emergency by the WHO, monkeypox can be transmitted via sexual contact, hugging or kissing. The outbreak of such viral infections highlights how easily viruses can spread, as well as the need for us to protect ourselves.
Bacterial Infections
Bacterial infections happen when the body is infected by bacteria. Bacteria enters the body, usually through an opening in the skin, such as a cut or open wound, or via your airway. The bacteria then multiply within the body, causing your body to react to it. Bacterial infections can be very dangerous, leading to potential death and should be treated immediately.
Examples of bacterial infections include:
- Urinary tract infections (UTI)
- Pneumonia
- Tuberculosis
- Gastritis
Fungal Infections
Fungus refers to a multicellular parasite that can grow and spread within the host body. Fungal infections usually occur in the upper layers of the skin, but can infect deeper layers of the skin and the organs in the body. People with weak immune systems are at a higher risk of developing fungal infections. Fungal infections on the skin or nails are usually not life-threatening, but fungal infection in the organs can be much more severe, such as lung infections.
Examples of fungal infections include:
- Vaginal candidiasis
- Athlete's foot
- Candidiasis
- Fungal Eye Infections
Parasitic Infections
Parasites refer to organisms that live in or on another organism, called the host. Parasites can be microscopic or large enough to see with the naked eye, and they live and grow by feeding on the body of the host. Parasites can enter your body by consuming food and drinks, or by contamination, for example, touching your face with contaminated hands.
Examples of parasitic infections include:
- Cysticercosis, or tapeworm
- Toxocariasis, or roundworm
- Trichomoniasis, a sexually transmitted infection
- Amebiasis
Common Causes of Infection
Pathogens typically invade our bodies through the mouth, eyes, nose, urogenital openings, or through wounds or bites penetrating the skin.
Here are some common ways in which people get infections:
Physical Contact
You can be infected from coming into direct contact with infected skin, mucous membranes, or body fluids. Indirect contact can sometimes also cause infection. An infected person may leave behind microbes when coming into contact with surfaces such as a doorknob, table, or clothing. These microbes can be transmitted to another person if they touch these surfaces and then touch their eye, mouth or nose. Droplets spread by coughing or sneezing can also transmit these diseases if the droplets come into contact with the mucous membranes of the eye, mouth, or nose of another person.
Common Vehicles
Some pathogens can infect your body if you consume contaminated food, drinks or come into contact with contaminated blood. Raw meat often carries many types of bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted via hand-to-food contact. If not prepared properly, these bacteria can be transmitted via consumption. For example, E. coli is commonly found in undercooked hamburgers.
Vectors
Vectors refer to creatures that carry and transmit infectious pathogens to other living creatures. These include organisms such as fleas, mites, ticks, rats, snails, and dogs. For example, mosquitoes are the most common vector for human infection, capable of transmitting diseases such as malaria.
Common Symptoms of Infections
While there are many different kinds of infections and the symptoms may vary, these are some of the most common symptoms of infections you should watch out for:
- Fever
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Nausea or vomiting
- Redness in the area of the wound which may signal an infected wound
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, arms, or groin
- Delayed wound healing
- Diarrhea
If you suspect that you have an infection, it is best to have it checked by a doctor so that you can receive treatment and avoid any possible health complications.
Preventing Infections
Infections often occur due to contact with contaminated objects or surfaces. The easiest way to prevent infections is to follow good personal hygiene habits. By following good personal hygiene habits, you can prevent infection as well as stop yourself from spreading it to others.
- Wash your hands often, especially before and after meals, using the bathroom, or when you get your hands dirty.
- Cover your mouth when you sneeze or cough. This can help prevent the spread of diseases.
- Wash and bandage cuts or wounds. For serious cuts, wounds or animal bites, you should see a doctor.
- Avoid sharing personal utensils with others when eating.
- Avoid direct contact with used cloth, such as towels, napkins or tissues.
Infections can also be transmitted via food and drinks. Good food-safety techniques can go a long way in preventing infections.
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing any type of food.
- Separate raw and cooked food. Do not use the same utensils to prepare raw and cooked food.
- Make sure that you properly cook your meat.
Stay Healthy with Vaccinations
Certain infectious diseases can be easily prevented by getting vaccinated. This is especially important in avoiding common infectious diseases. Do check with a doctor if you are suitable for the vaccination prior to taking the jab. These vaccinations may also cause some mild side-effects.
You may have a serious allergic reaction to the vaccination if you experience symptoms such as:
- Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
- Difficulty in breathing
- Itchy skin rashes over your whole body
Visit a doctor immediately if you experience such symptoms.
Here are some of the common vaccination jabs that you should consider getting in order to safeguard your health.
Influenza Vaccination
Influenza, also known as flu, is a common infection caused by Influenza virus types A and B. The influenza jab is recommended for:
- Singaporeans aged 65 and above
- Pregnant women
- People with chronic medical conditions
- People with poor immune systems
- Residents staying in intermediate or long-term care facilities
- Persons aged 18 years or younger and receiving long-term aspirin therapy
Tetanus Vaccination
The vaccine used for tetanus, DTaP/Tdap vaccines, help to protect you against diphtheria, tetanus, and pertussis. Diphtheria and pertussis are infectious diseases, capable of spreading from one person to another. Tetanus, on the other hand, is not contagious, is able to enter the body through wounds or cuts and can affect the nerves, leading to painful muscle contractions, which in severe cases, can cause death due to its interference with breathing. All children are required to receive 3 doses of the vaccination, followed by 2 booster doses. For adults who have no history of vaccination, or have had their last vaccination 10 or more years ago, are recommended to get the DTaP/Tdap vaccine. Adults with certain medical conditions may also fall under this category.
Hepatitis B Vaccination
Hepatitis B can cause serious liver disease and is spread through contact with infected blood or body fluids. Hepatitis B vaccinations are part of the Singapore National Childhood Immunisation Schedule (NCIS), and all children should receive three doses at appropriate intervals. For adults who have not finished their vaccination or lack evidence of past infection or immunity should receive three doses.
Measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) Vaccination
Measles, mumps and rubella are common infectious diseases that can be easily spread from one person to another through the air. These diseases can lead to serious health complications, such as deafness, pneumonia and even death. The MMR vaccination falls under the NCIS as well, and children will need to receive their two doses. For adults who have not been vaccinated for MMR, or have not recovered from a past MMR infection, it is strongly recommended that they get their two doses of vaccination.
Varicella (VAR) Vaccination
The Varicella (VAR) vaccination helps to prevent you from getting infected by a highly infectious disease caused by the Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV). This disease is more commonly known as chickenpox. Chickenpox is very common in children and can be easily spread through direct contact or droplets. For adults who have already gotten chickenpox in the past, they may still run the risk of developing shingles, a related disease caused by the same virus. Similarly, under the NCIS, children will be required to be to take two doses of the VAR vaccination, and adults who have not been vaccinated or lack immunity should receive two doses of the vaccination as well.
Precautions
Do note that you should inform your healthcare professional before taking any forms of vaccination if:
- You have a known drug/food allergy
- You are pregnant, planning to be pregnant or are breastfeeding
- You are under medication
- You are immunocompromised due to illness such as Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) infection or cancer
- You are currently on treatment or on medications that may weaken your immune system (e.g., high dose steroids)
- You have recently received any other vaccines
- You have recently received a blood transfusion
Protect yourself against infections at Regis Medical
Book a Vaccination Appointment
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