Answer:
Coughing is the body's natural defense mechanism against bacteria, viruses, or foreign objects entering the respiratory tract. This reflex helps clear the airways and expel these irritants.
Drinking extremely hot water doesn't eliminate the cause of a cough. Instead, it can scald and dry the tongue, the lining of the mouth, and the esophagus. Damaging the respiratory lining can create an environment for bacteria and viruses – such as pneumococcus, meningococcus, influenza, and RSV – that normally reside in the throat to invade and cause illness.
Since you've had a cough with phlegm for over a week, you should see a doctor for a proper diagnosis and effective treatment. Patients are often advised to drink enough fluids, ideally warm water at 25-30°C, along with fruit juices, soups, and nutritious broths, to support bodily functions.
Prevention is better than cure. Maintain a healthy lifestyle by ensuring a diverse and nutritious diet, practicing good oral hygiene, washing your hands frequently, wearing a mask in crowded places, and avoiding contact with people who have coughs or runny noses. Vaccination is also a proactive and effective preventative measure.
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Avoid drinking freshly boiled or excessively hot water to prevent burns to the tongue, mouth lining, and esophagus. Illustration: Vecteezy |
Vietnam currently offers various vaccines against respiratory infections. The quadrivalent influenza vaccine protects against 4 common influenza virus strains: A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and two B strains. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years receive two initial doses at least one month apart, followed by an annual booster. Individuals 9 years and older receive one dose and then an annual booster.
For pneumococcal pneumonia and meningitis, 5 vaccines are available: pneumococcal 10 for children aged 6 weeks to under 6 years; pneumococcal 13 and 15 for children from 6 weeks old and adults; pneumococcal 20 for individuals 18 and older; and pneumococcal 23 for children from 2 years old and adults. A doctor will recommend a suitable vaccination schedule based on age, health condition, and vaccination history.
For meningococcal pneumonia and septicemia, Vietnam offers 5 vaccines: Bexsero against group B meningococcus; VA-Mengoc BC against groups B and C; Mennactra, MenQuadfi, and Nimenrix against groups A, C, Y, and W-135. A doctor will recommend a suitable vaccine and schedule based on age and vaccination history.
Doctor Tran Huynh Tan
Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System
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