On February 7, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Vĩnh Châu, Deputy Director of the Health Department of Ho Chi Minh City, signed an urgent document to enhance flu prevention and control measures.
The document noted that the event-based surveillance system in Vietnam has recorded information about the recent flu outbreak in Japan.
Specifically, according to data published on January 31 by the National Institute of Infectious Diseases in Japan, from September 2, 2024, to January 26, Japan reported approximately 9.5 million cases of seasonal flu. In the last week of 2024, more than 317,000 cases were recorded.
In Vietnam, currently, the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases is treating 8 patients with flu, including one case requiring ECMO support.
A flu patient receiving treatment in Hanoi (Photo: Hospital provided).
In HCM City, according to reports from the Health Control Center (HCDC) and pediatric hospitals, there have been no unusual incidents in the reception and treatment of flu patients up to this point.
To avoid panic but not be complacent, especially during favorable weather conditions for respiratory pathogens, the Health Department urges heads of healthcare facilities to focus on implementing several preventive measures.
First, continue to advise people visiting or working at healthcare facilities to strictly wear masks within the premises.
Second, strictly follow the directives issued by the Health Department of HCM City on May 10, 2024, regarding the reporting of urgent disease situations at healthcare facilities; the plan from April 12, 2024, on preventing avian influenza in humans in HCM City; and the circular from January 9, 2024, on further enhancing the prevention and control of avian influenza transmission to humans.
People waiting to get vaccinated against the flu at the HCM City Tropical Diseases Hospital (Photo: Hoàng Lê).
Third, the Health Department of HCM City assigns HCDC to coordinate with healthcare facilities, district health centers, and Thanh Phố Thủ Đức to monitor flu cases and severe viral pneumonia (SVP) as per guidelines from the Ministry of Health. Simultaneously, they should increase communication and messages to encourage residents to take proactive preventive measures. Healthcare facilities must regularly report monitoring results and any recommendations for improving compliance to the Health Department’s management.
The Health Department also requests district health offices to disseminate the content of the directive to multi-disciplinary clinics and specialized clinics under their jurisdiction. Notably, private healthcare facilities should report suspected flu or viral pneumonia cases to local health stations, district health centers, and Thanh Phố Thủ Đức for timely implementation of preventive measures.
Communication Message for Flu Prevention
To proactively prevent the flu, residents should follow these recommendations:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth or tissue, or use your sleeve. Wear masks in crowded places and on public transport. Regularly wash hands with soap and clean water or use hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.
- Do not spit in public areas. Avoid unnecessary contact with flu patients or suspected cases. Get vaccinated against the flu. Maintain a healthy lifestyle. Eat nutritious food to prevent virus infections. Increase physical activity to boost immunity.
- If you experience symptoms like cough, fever, runny nose, headache, or fatigue, do not self-diagnose or purchase medication. Instead, consult a healthcare facility for proper guidance, diagnosis, and treatment.
