Currently, hot and humid summer weather with frequent rain creates favorable conditions for respiratory pathogens to circulate in the community. These include illnesses caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), meningococcal disease, chickenpox, adenovirus, or pneumococcal pneumonia. These conditions all cause symptoms like fever, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion, making it difficult to determine if the cause is viral or bacterial.

Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses. Conversely, self-prescribing antibiotics can lead to missing the optimal treatment window and experiencing side effects such as diarrhea, allergies, and fatigue. Moreover, a weakened immune system can allow other pathogens to attack, not to mention the future risk of antibiotic resistance. Therefore, it's crucial to remember that not all cases of cough and fever require antibiotics; medication should be used only as prescribed by a doctor.

Regarding your situation, if your fever, cough, sore throat, and nasal congestion persist after self-medication or if symptoms worsen, you should seek timely medical examination and treatment at a healthcare facility.

Do not self-prescribe antibiotics for respiratory infection symptoms. Photo: Vecteezy.

During treatment, you should get adequate rest, drink enough water, and eat nutritious food. Gargle with antiseptic solution and maintain nasal and throat hygiene. Use fever reducers, pain relievers, or symptomatic medications as directed by a healthcare professional. Crucially, seek immediate medical attention if you experience signs such as a continuous high fever for two days or more, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing up blood.

Currently, during the summer vacation period for students, many families take the opportunity to travel or return to their hometowns, increasing the risk of exposure to pathogens. Crowded places like offices, train stations, airports, and camps also carry a higher risk of infection.

To prevent illness, people should wash their hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer. Wear masks in crowded places, maintain personal hygiene, a balanced diet, and regular exercise. Additionally, it is essential to proactively get all vaccines appropriate for one's age, health status, and vaccination history.

Everyone should receive an annual seasonal flu vaccine and other vaccines as recommended by a doctor, such as: pneumococcal, meningococcal, RSV, chickenpox, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis, shingles, and dengue fever.

Doctor Le Thi Gam

Medical Manager, VNVC Vaccination System

Readers can submit vaccine-related questions for a doctor to answer here.