Dust and vehicle emissions containing CO₂, CO, O₃, NO₂, and SO₂ are pollutants harmful to health. Fine dust, in particular, can penetrate deep into the lungs, enter the bloodstream, and damage tissues and cells.
Regular exposure to dust can lead to sneezing, coughing, eye irritation, asthma, pharyngitis, reduced lung function, and cardiovascular effects. One study found that environmental sanitation workers face a significantly higher risk of cough, phlegm, shortness of breath, and wheezing compared to office workers. Air pollution and traffic jams also weaken immunity, increasing the risk of infectious diseases.
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Dust and air pollutants affect the respiratory system, potentially causing prolonged coughs. *Hoang Duong* |
To prevent illness, individuals should maintain clean homes, limit opening windows to reduce road dust entry, rinse nasal passages and gargle with saline solution, wear masks outdoors, eat a nutritious diet, and exercise regularly. Additionally, Vietnam offers various vaccines to prevent respiratory diseases:
Influenza: There are four types of vaccines protecting against influenza A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B strains, originating from the Netherlands, France, South Korea, and Vietnam. Children aged six months and older, as well as adults, can receive these vaccinations, which require annual boosters.
RSV: Vaccines are administered to pregnant women at 24-36 weeks and individuals over 60 years old. The monoclonal antibody Nisevimab is given to infants from birth up to 24 months old, with the vaccination schedule and dosage determined by age.
Pneumococcal: Five types of vaccines are available: pneumococcal 10, pneumococcal 13, pneumococcal 15, pneumococcal 20, and pneumococcal 23. The vaccination schedule depends on age and immunization history.
Additionally, individuals can receive other vaccines to prevent respiratory-transmitted diseases such as measles, meningococcal disease, and chickenpox.
Doctor Doan Thi Khanh Cham
Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System
Readers can submit vaccine consultation questions for a doctor to answer here.
