Weather Changes – A Key Trigger for Flu Outbreaks Worldwide
According to WHO reports, seasonal flu is on the rise globally, affecting many countries across Europe and Asia.
In Japan, during the winter of 2024, hospital admissions due to flu complications surged dramatically, marking the worst flu outbreak in 25 years. The aftermath includes overcrowded hospitals, shortages of medical supplies, and, sadly, numerous fatalities.
In Vietnam, major hospitals in Hanoi have reported an increase in severe flu cases, some involving influenza A. Some patients required ECMO intervention, while others were diagnosed with flu on top of pre-existing conditions.
The number of flu-related visits and hospitalizations has risen significantly at many hospitals.
According to Dr. Đặng Thị Kim Hạnh, Head of the Vaccination Unit at Thu Cúc TCI, the flu virus can survive for hours in cold weather. It lasts several weeks at 0-4°C, and up to a year when frozen at -20°C. Post-Lunar New Year often brings cold yet humid weather, creating ideal conditions for flu outbreaks.
Flu symptoms are typically mild for those with strong immune systems, including signs like runny nose, sneezing, coughing, body aches, and fever. With proper rest, staying warm, good nutrition, and over-the-counter medications, recovery usually occurs within a few days without hospitalization.
However, the virus can cause severe complications for the elderly, children, pregnant women, individuals with chronic illnesses, or those with weakened immune systems. Severe respiratory damage may lead to complications such as pneumonia, co-infections, myocarditis, fetal abnormalities, miscarriage, or premature birth.
In critical cases, patients may require ventilators or dialysis due to respiratory failure and multi-organ dysfunction, potentially threatening their lives. “What’s concerning is that it’s unpredictable who might develop severe complications, and even young, healthy individuals can face serious outcomes if they haven’t been vaccinated,” warned Dr. Hạnh.
Why You Shouldn’t Wait for an Outbreak to Get Vaccinated
Annual flu vaccination is recommended, and anyone able to get vaccinated should do so immediately rather than waiting for an outbreak, as flu cases occur year-round in Vietnam. Current vaccines include inactivated shots covering four strains (two type A and two type B), updated annually based on circulating virus trends.
People should proactively get vaccinated annually before flu season begins.
Dr. Hạnh notes that many people remain complacent, only seeking vaccination once an outbreak occurs. This is a misconception because vaccines take 2-3 weeks to build sufficient antibodies.
Waiting until an outbreak means your immune system won’t be ready, leaving you vulnerable to infection upon exposure. Therefore, health experts consistently advise getting vaccinated before flu season for effective protection.
Priority Groups for Vaccination
Pregnant women or those planning pregnancy should get vaccinated against the flu.
Dr. Hạnh emphasizes that flu vaccination is encouraged for everyone, but priority groups include children aged six months and older with developing immune systems; adults over 65 with age-related immune decline and chronic conditions; pregnant and breastfeeding women to protect both mother and baby; and individuals with chronic diseases like diabetes, cardiovascular issues, COPD, kidney failure, or chronic liver disease due to higher complication risks.
Additionally, high-exposure groups such as healthcare workers, teachers, daycare staff, office workers, and frequent travelers should also get vaccinated early to safeguard their health and prevent community spread.
Family members living with infants, pregnant women, the elderly, or chronically ill individuals should also get vaccinated to protect themselves and create a protective barrier for these priority groups.
To encourage proactive prevention, Thu Cúc TCI Vaccination Center is offering a 5% discount on flu vaccines throughout February. The center adheres to strict international vaccination protocols, including thorough screening, proper cold chain storage, 30-minute post-vaccination monitoring, and experienced specialists on standby.
Don’t wait for an outbreak to think about prevention—take action to protect your health and your family’s today. Contact 1900 55 88 92 to schedule an appointment and receive expert advice.
Source link: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/cum-dung-de-nuoc-den-chan-moi-nhay-20250214185656397.htm
