Steamed kumquat (tac) with rock sugar, a common folk remedy for cough, does not provide a complete cure for flu A, despite its traditional use for symptom relief. According to Traditional Eastern Medicine, kumquat is sour and warm, rich in vitamins C, A, and calcium, known for relieving colds and coughs. Rock sugar, mildly sweet and neutral, helps moisturize the lungs, expel phlegm, and soothe the throat. While often enhanced with honey and ginger, this method serves as a supportive measure for coughs, not a definitive treatment for the influenza A virus.

Flu A is a serious acute respiratory illness that extends beyond a cough. It often causes a high fever above 39 degrees C, runny nose, sore throat, body aches, vomiting, and diarrhea. If left untreated or in severe cases, the disease can lead to life-threatening complications such as pneumonia, encephalitis, myocarditis, respiratory failure, sepsis, and even death. The presence of yellowish-green phlegm in a child may indicate a secondary bacterial infection, making prompt medical examination crucial for early detection and treatment.

Parents should ensure children consume nutritious, easy-to-swallow liquid meals, drink warm water, get sufficient rest, maintain oral hygiene, and gargle with physiological saline solution to alleviate phlegm. Flu A affects all ages, but young children, older adults, and individuals with chronic health conditions face a higher risk of severe complications due to compromised immune systems. Environmental factors like cold, humid weather, sudden temperature changes, and increased air pollution contribute to the virus's development and spread.

Steamed kumquat and rock sugar water is considered a folk remedy for cough, but cannot treat flu A. *Photo: Dieu Thuan*

Given that the flu virus's antigenic structure changes annually, leading to multiple strains, children can be reinfected even after a previous illness. Therefore, proactive prevention is essential to protect children from infection and prevent severe outcomes. Effective preventive measures include wearing masks, frequent handwashing, gargling, and avoiding contact with infected individuals. The most effective method of prevention is annual flu vaccination.

There are four types of flu vaccines available, originating from France, the Netherlands, Korea, and Vietnam, which protect against common strains such as A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and type B flu. These vaccines are approved for individuals from 6 months of age. Children aged 6 months to under 9 years who have not been previously vaccinated require two doses, administered at least 4 weeks apart. Individuals aged 9 years and older need one dose. An annual booster shot is necessary to maintain immunity. Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of infection by 60%, hospitalization by 90%, and death due to flu by 70-80%.

Doctor Nguyen Duc Ba Dat

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

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