The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) reports a significant increase in acute respiratory infection cases locally. This surge is attributed to seasonal weather changes and students returning to school, which creates favorable conditions for respiratory pathogens to spread within the community.

Hospital reports further indicate that the influenza virus is a major contributing factor to this rise, with 151 positive samples recorded in week 40 (28/9-4/10) alone. Type-identification tests revealed that influenza A strains are predominant, with the influenza A/H1N1 2009 strain accounting for an overwhelming 116 samples, nearly 77% of the total.

"The simultaneous increase in acute respiratory infection cases, including influenza A/H1N1 2009, necessitates heightened public vigilance and proactive implementation of preventive measures to curb community spread", the HCDC stated.

Influenza A patient receiving treatment at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Photo: National Hospital for Tropical Diseases

Given the projected high levels of respiratory illnesses in the upcoming period, the HCDC urges residents to adopt effective preventive measures. Elderly individuals and those with underlying health conditions, in particular, must remain vigilant due to their increased risk of severe illness and dangerous complications. Individuals experiencing suspected symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, or runny nose should wear masks, avoid close contact with others, and seek prompt medical advice.

Beyond regular handwashing with soap, covering the mouth and nose with a tissue or sleeve when coughing or sneezing is crucial to prevent the spread of virus-laden droplets. The health sector also strongly recommends annual influenza vaccination.

Children, elderly, and those with underlying conditions: do not underestimate influenza A

Influenza A is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, primarily transmitted through respiratory droplets from coughing, sneezing, or talking. Typical symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. For young children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses, influenza can lead to pneumonia, worsen existing conditions, and result in respiratory failure and severe complications.

Associate Professor Nguyen Tuan Dung, a senior professional advisor at Long Chau Pharmacy and Vaccination System, emphasized that children under 5 years old, particularly those not vaccinated against influenza, require primary attention. This group faces a heightened risk of "overlapping epidemics," including influenza A, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, respiratory syncytial virus, and dengue fever. The elderly, with their compromised immune systems and often co-occurring chronic conditions, also face greater difficulty in combating infections. Even mild influenza can lead to severe complications or hospitalization in this demographic.

Associate Professor Nguyen Tuan Dung, senior professional advisor at Long Chau Pharmacy and Vaccination System. Photo: Hai Long

Recently, the National Children's Hospital reported several severe influenza A cases with complications, some of which proved fatal despite intensive care. Doctors highlight acute necrotizing encephalopathy (ANE) as a rare but particularly severe neurological complication of influenza A in children. This condition often affects young children aged 2-5 years, a demographic also susceptible to febrile seizures.

The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases recently treated a 72-year-old influenza A patient with a history of hypertension and stroke. The patient developed severe pneumonia, requiring respiratory support with 40-50% oxygen. Following intensive care, the fever resolved, but the patient continued to need non-invasive mechanical ventilation.

Another patient, with a long history of smoking and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), also experienced severe respiratory failure after influenza A infection. Despite intubation and aggressive resuscitation, the patient's condition deteriorated, marked by severe systemic dysfunction and no improvement.

Elderly people receiving influenza vaccine at Long Chau Vaccination Center. Photo: Hoang Khanh

Epidemiology experts underscore annual influenza vaccination as a critical tool for preventing influenza and its complications. Doctor Le Thi Giao Thi from Long Chau Pharmacy and Vaccination System explained the importance of annual booster vaccinations: First, influenza viruses constantly undergo "antigenic drift," meaning they continuously change. Each year, the World Health Organization (WHO) monitors circulating strains and recommends updated vaccine formulations to best target the strains anticipated for the upcoming season. Second, immunity from vaccination typically wanes after 6-12 months, making annual boosters essential to maintain robust protective antibody levels.

"For high-risk individuals, annual influenza vaccination is currently the most proactive and effective preventive measure," Doctor Thi advised. "Vaccinating as early as possible before the flu season allows the body sufficient time to develop protective antibodies." She added that vaccination protects not only the individual but also family, friends, and the wider community, especially those most vulnerable to severe illness.

Kim Anh