After floods, the damp environment, mud, waste, and mold create conditions for bacteria and viruses to thrive, causing respiratory diseases such as rhinosinusitis, pharyngitis, and tonsillitis. Common symptoms include sneezing, runny nose, sore throat, cough, and nasal congestion. Young children, the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with underlying conditions and weakened immune systems face a higher risk of contracting these illnesses.

To prevent respiratory diseases after floods, Master, Doctor, Level II Specialist Tran Thi Thuy Hang, Head of the Ear, Nose, and Throat Department at the Ear, Nose, and Throat Center, Tam Anh General Hospital in Ho Chi Minh City, advises individuals to clean their nose and throat two to three times daily. This practice helps remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the nasal and throat mucous membranes. Use sterile, bottled 0.9% physiological saline solution. Absolutely avoid using unsterilized well water or river water to prevent introducing pathogens deeper into the system.

When rinsing the nose, gently spray saline solution into one nostril, allowing the water to flow out the other side, then repeat for the other nostril. Afterward, blow your nose gently to remove any remaining fluid. Children have shorter, more horizontal Eustachian tubes compared to adults, so instill a few drops of saline solution and use a safe device to suction the nose. Avoid using high-pressure sprays to prevent pushing fluid into the middle ear, which can cause inflammation.

Doctor Hang consulting a patient. Photo: *Tam Anh General Hospital*

Gargling with warm saline solution or an appropriate mouthwash in the morning, evening, and after cleaning flooded areas also helps prevent infections. Hold 5-10 ml of mouthwash, tilt your head back, and gargle for 15-20 seconds. Then, spit it out, do not swallow, and repeat two to three times.

Avoid preparing your own saline solution, as it may not be mixed in the correct proportion or be hygienic, potentially affecting the nasal and throat mucous membranes. Do not use nasal or throat rinsing solutions that have been opened for more than 7-10 days, or share spray bottles with multiple people. Such practices can easily lead to cross-contamination, prolonging or worsening the illness.

Everyone should ensure food hygiene. Prioritize clean foods rich in vitamins and fiber to boost immunity and prevent illness. If symptoms such as high fever, eye socket pain, prolonged nasal congestion, discolored nasal discharge, significant phlegm cough, difficulty breathing, or ear pain and discharge appear, patients should seek medical examination to prevent complications. In post-flood conditions, if patients show signs of serious illness, they can contact local health stations or mobile medical support teams.

Uyen Trinh