Ms. Sap developed a fever and cough two days before her admission. Doctor Dam Thi Thanh Tam, from the Department of General Internal Medicine at Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi, reported that Ms. Sap's SpO₂ level was 89-90% (normally over 95%), her respiratory rate increased to 22 times per minute, and crackles were heard in her right lung base—common signs of pneumonia. She also had thick, yellow nasal discharge. The patient tested positive for influenza A, with pneumonia as a complication leading to respiratory failure.

Ms. Sap has been battling breast cancer for 7 years and is currently on maintenance chemotherapy. Doctor Tam explained that prolonged chemotherapy treatment has compromised Ms. Sap's immune system, leading to a reduced white blood cell count and diminished ability to fight off pathogens. Consequently, her condition rapidly worsened within one day of contracting influenza A due to her immunocompromised state.

Doctors prescribed antiviral influenza medication and intravenous antibiotics to control the risk of bacterial superinfection. Ms. Sap also received oxygen via nasal cannula at 2 liters/minute to improve blood oxygenation, alongside rehydration and electrolyte balance. After approximately 48 hours of treatment, her fever subsided, fatigue decreased, and her SpO₂ level returned to a safe range, allowing her to breathe independently. Symptoms such as nasal congestion, severe cough, and vomiting significantly reduced, and she was discharged after 5 days.

Doctor Tam advises Ms. Sap on her follow-up appointment before discharge. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

The influenza A virus constantly mutates its surface antigens and is highly contagious, especially during cold and humid seasons, according to Doctor Tam. Administering antiviral medication within the first 48 hours helps reduce symptoms and the risk of complications.

In recent three months, the country has recorded 8,500-11,000 seasonal flu cases each month, a sharp increase compared to mid-year, prompting the Ministry of Health to warn of an outbreak. Statistics from Tam Anh General Hospital Hanoi show that from October until now, the Department of General Internal Medicine has admitted half the number of influenza A inpatient cases for the entire year (with 40 new influenza A admissions in the recent week alone).

"Influenza A is not a mild illness for adults, especially those with underlying conditions and compromised immune systems," Doctor Tam stated. She advises enhanced preventive hygiene, wearing masks in crowded places, and seeking immediate medical attention for high fever, severe cough, aches, or difficulty breathing.

Thanh Ba