In an interview with Dân trí reporter, a representative from the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases in Hanoi stated that the hospital is currently treating 8 cases of influenza, including one severe case that required mechanical ventilation just three days after contracting the virus.
At the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Dr. Vo Xuan Huy, Head of the Outpatient Department, reported that there are 18-20 severe flu patients hospitalized, suffering from complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and sepsis.
Notably, high-risk groups like children, the elderly, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions are more susceptible to dangerous complications.
People waiting to be seen at the Ho Chi Minh City Hospital for Tropical Diseases (Photo: Hoàng Lê).
According to the Ministry of Health, current weather conditions create ideal conditions for seasonal influenza and other respiratory diseases to spread. The Preventive Medicine Department also reported an outbreak of seasonal influenza in Japan.
Specifically, data released on January 31 by Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases showed that from September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, Japan recorded approximately 9.5 million cases of seasonal influenza. In the final week of 2024 (from December 23 to December 29), over 317,000 cases were reported. The current outbreak in Japan is primarily caused by influenza A, but there remains a risk of an outbreak due to influenza B.
In Vietnam, seasonal influenza is also prevalent. In 2024, the country recorded 289,876 cases of influenza, with 8 deaths. Although the number of cases decreased by 17.9% compared to 2023 (353,108), the number of deaths increased by 5 cases.
How to Handle the Disease?
Experts noted that seasonal influenza is common and easily transmitted from person to person, starting with typical symptoms such as fever, chills, sore throat, runny nose, and muscle aches.
The disease can lead to complications like pneumonia, myocarditis, and respiratory failure, especially in individuals with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.
If continuous high fever, persistent coughing, or difficulty breathing occur, immediate hospitalization is necessary. Delayed treatment can lead to respiratory failure, cessation of breathing, and damage to other organs, posing life-threatening risks.
Vaccination is an effective way to prevent the flu (Illustrative photo: Hoàng Lê).
Dr. Vo Xuan Huy advises that people should not be overly concerned about adverse reactions from vaccines, as the rate of complications is very low. Additionally, patients undergo thorough screening and monitoring before vaccination. Vaccination provides significant benefits in preventing illness compared to the consequences of not being vaccinated.
In addition to the flu, Dr. Huy recommends that people also get vaccinated against pneumococcus to reduce unfavorable lung-related complications.
According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Cap, Deputy Director of the National Hospital of Tropical Diseases, there are various types of flu vaccines, each suitable for different age groups, ranging from 6 months old to adults.
“Flu vaccines help reduce the risk of infection and the severity of the disease if contracted. Therefore, all eligible individuals can benefit from vaccination. However, older adults, those with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, respiratory issues, obesity, weakened immunity, or organ transplant recipients, and young children are at higher risk for severe complications and should prioritize getting vaccinated,” Dr. Cap explained.
High-risk individuals should be prioritized for vaccination (Illustrative photo: Hoàng Lê).
Dr. Cap further noted that most cases of seasonal influenza are mild and self-resolving, but they still impact health and productivity during the illness period.
He emphasized that while most cases are mild, a small percentage can become severe and even fatal, even in young, healthy individuals.
“Getting a flu vaccine reduces the likelihood of contracting the flu, impacting health and work, and decreases the risk of severe complications. The actress’s death from the flu was a rare incident and should not cause widespread panic. People can proactively schedule vaccinations appropriately,” Dr. Cap advised.
Source link: https://dantri.com.vn/suc-khoe/nhieu-ca-mac-cum-nang-doi-pho-benh-nhu-the-nao-20250206104036181.htm
