Answer:
Southern Vietnam currently experiences hot days and cool nights, sometimes with rain, creating significant temperature fluctuations. This can weaken the immune system, making the body vulnerable to pathogens.
The flu virus spreads rapidly through the respiratory system when an individual inhales droplets from an infected person's coughs or sneezes. The risk of infection increases with close contact or shared living spaces like dorms, hostels, or classrooms.
Moving from northern Vietnam to Ho Chi Minh City for university involves extensive travel and adjusting to a new environment and lifestyle, which can cause stress and lower your immune defenses. Additionally, students often gather for study and social activities, increasing their exposure to respiratory illnesses, including the flu.
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Changes in living environment, study habits, diet, and sleep patterns can contribute to a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, including the flu. Photo: Vecteezy |
Changes in living environment, study habits, diet, and sleep patterns can contribute to a weakened immune system, making individuals more susceptible to respiratory illnesses, including the flu. Photo: Vecteezy
To recover, follow your doctor's instructions, rest, get enough sleep, and drink plenty of warm water. Maintain a nutritious diet with easily digestible foods like porridge, soup, and broth, while supplementing with vitamins and engaging in light exercise. Avoid self-medicating, relying on anecdotal remedies, or excessive dietary restrictions to prevent prolonged illness or complications.
Influenza is an acute infectious disease caused by the influenza virus, with an incubation period of one to 4 days, typically around 48 hours. Initial symptoms include fever, runny nose, sore throat, sneezing, body aches, and coughing. The illness usually resolves within two to 7 days, though coughing and fatigue may persist. However, improper treatment can prolong the illness, increase its severity, and raise the risk of complications such as otitis media, pneumonia, myocarditis, and respiratory failure.
Annual vaccination is the most effective way to prevent the flu. Vaccines reduce the incidence of illness, hospitalizations, severe cases, and flu-related deaths.
Vietnam currently offers 4 flu vaccines. Vaccines from France, the Netherlands, and South Korea are available for individuals 6 months and older. The Vietnamese vaccine is for those aged 18 to 60. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years require two doses, while those 9 and older, along with adults, need only one dose annually.
After recovering, consider getting vaccinated against the flu and other contagious diseases prevalent in crowded environments, such as pneumococcal and meningococcal diseases (which cause pneumonia and meningitis), chickenpox, measles, mumps, rubella, and dengue fever.
Dr. Nguyen Cong Luan
Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System
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