Respiratory disorders affect the lungs, airways, larynx, trachea, and bronchi, causing symptoms like coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Doctor Than Thi Ngoc Lan, from the Respiratory Department at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, stated that during Tet, cold weather and unpredictable humidity create favorable conditions for viruses and bacteria to spread and cause respiratory illnesses.

Flu

The flu virus spreads directly through the respiratory tract when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing virus-containing droplets from their nose and throat into the air. In crowded places, direct contact facilitates rapid flu transmission. The Tet holiday is a time when many people gather and socialize, increasing the risk of flu infection. Common symptoms include fever, cough, chills, and fatigue.

Pneumonia

This disease occurs year-round but is more prevalent in winter and spring when cold weather and fluctuating temperatures weaken the immune system. Common symptoms include cough, fever, fatigue, chest pain, sweating, and shortness of breath. Pneumonia is a serious illness, potentially life-threatening for young children and individuals aged 65 and older.

Common cold

The common cold is an upper respiratory tract infection (nose, throat) caused by viruses. It is most common in infants, with typical symptoms such as nasal congestion, sore throat, sneezing, and coughing. Colds usually last about 7-10 days. Currently, there is no specific treatment or preventive vaccine. Treatment primarily focuses on alleviating symptoms with common medications like cough suppressants and nasal sprays, combined with a nutritious diet.

Bronchitis

Cold weather during Tet is a contributing factor to triggering bronchitis. The disease presents similarly to a common cold but is often more severe, potentially accompanied by fever, coughing up phlegm, chest tightness, wheezing, and shortness of breath. When these symptoms appear, patients should seek medical attention for timely examination and treatment to avoid dangerous complications such as pneumonia or lung abscess.

Respiratory syncytial virus disease

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) spreads primarily through droplets from coughing, sneezing, or contact with contaminated surfaces. It is one of the most common causes of respiratory illness in young children. RSV infection in children can lead to severe bronchiolitis, potentially life-threatening. Individuals over 60 who contract RSV often experience lower respiratory tract infections with symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, fever, and fatigue.

Doctor Lan advises preventing common respiratory disorders during Tet by keeping the body warm when going out, especially when visiting relatives. Regularly wash hands with soap or hand sanitizer, limit crowded gatherings, wear a face mask when leaving home, and avoid close contact with people showing symptoms of cough or fever.

Hieu Nguyen