Oanh experienced fever, shortness of breath, and productive cough. Having a history of bronchial asthma, she assumed it was a recurrence and took medication according to her previous prescription. She only went to the hospital a week later. Doctor Do Vu Ngoc Anh from the Cardiology Department of Tam Anh General Hospital's Heart Center in Ho Chi Minh City said Oanh has several underlying conditions, including hypertension, atrial fibrillation, heart failure, myocardial ischemia, and dyslipidemia. She was admitted to the hospital with severe shortness of breath, a fever of 38.5 degrees Celsius, a productive cough with yellow sputum, wheezing, and fatigue, unable to eat or drink.

She was given oxygen, a nasogastric tube, and a urinary catheter. Sputum and blood cultures were ordered to identify the cause of pneumonia, but no bacteria were found. She received antibiotic treatment, but after 7 days, showed little improvement. Doctors performed a PCR test, a highly sensitive and specific method for detecting microbial pathogens, which revealed a co-infection of influenza A, two types of bacteria, and Candida fungus.

When patients show signs of respiratory infection or lung-related disorders, doctors typically culture sputum to diagnose the illness and determine the appropriate treatment. If the patient coughs up true sputum (not saliva, which would yield a negative culture), the accuracy of the test is over 90%. In some cases of false negatives, like Oanh’s, a PCR test is necessary to identify the cause of pneumonia.

Doctor Huynh Thanh Kieu, Head of the Cardiology 1 Department at Tam Anh General Hospital's Heart Center in Ho Chi Minh City, explained that after contracting influenza A, Oanh developed additional bacterial and fungal infections. Influenza A is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. Symptoms include coughing, runny nose, nasal congestion, headache, fever, fatigue, sneezing, sore throat, and body aches. In older patients with multiple underlying conditions like Oanh, influenza A can weaken the immune system. Without timely treatment, this creates an opportunity for other bacteria to invade, causing complications like pneumonia.

Oanh received antibiotics, nebulizer treatments, and physiotherapy. After two weeks, her fever subsided, her cough lessened, the wheezing stopped, and her nasogastric tube was removed so she could begin eating again. She was discharged after 30 days in a stable condition.

Doctor Ngoc Anh checks on the patient's health before discharge. Photo: Ha Vu

Doctor Ngoc Anh checks on the patient's health before discharge. Photo: Ha Vu

Influenza is easily spread directly due to the rapid rate at which the virus replicates. The virus is primarily transmitted through water droplets expelled when an infected person sneezes or coughs. These droplets can land in the mouths or noses of those nearby. When a sick person coughs or sneezes, virus-containing droplets can also cling to surfaces and survive for up to 48 hours, potentially infecting anyone who touches those contaminated objects.

Anyone can get influenza A, but those at higher risk include children under 5, adults over 65, people with chronic conditions such as diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, kidney failure, liver failure, and weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and patients with cognitive impairment, neurological disorders, or epilepsy. For individuals with cardiovascular or respiratory problems, as well as young children and the elderly, the illness can become severe, leading to complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, and urinary tract infections. Pregnant women with influenza A are at risk of pneumonia and miscarriage.

To prevent influenza A, the Ministry of Health recommends getting vaccinated on schedule. If you experience symptoms suggestive of influenza, seek immediate medical attention for testing and treatment. Practice careful personal hygiene by frequently washing your hands with an alcohol-based solution or antibacterial soap after handling objects or visiting public places. Limit contact with suspected influenza cases and avoid crowded places during flu season. Strengthen your immune system through regular exercise, a healthy diet, and adequate rest.

Thu Ha

* The patient's name has been changed