This year's Lunar New Year holiday lasts about a week, a period when many people experience changes in their daily routines. In the first few days of the new year, besides increased travel, sightseeing, and socializing, eating and drinking also increase, posing various health risks.
Eat cooked food, drink boiled water.
During the Lunar New Year, along with the increased consumption of pork and processed pork products, many people have the habit of eating pig's blood soup for good luck throughout the year. However, consuming pig's blood soup and other uncooked meats and poultry can easily lead to food poisoning and foodborne illnesses, the most worrying of which is Streptococcus suis infection. A survey by the Department of Preventive Medicine ( Ministry of Health ) shows that about 70% of people infected with Streptococcus suis had eaten pig's blood soup. The remaining cases were due to eating raw fermented pork sausage, or contact with and slaughtering sick pigs.
According to Dr. Nguyen Trung Cap, Deputy Director of the Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the number of people infected with Streptococcus suis (pig streptococcus) often increases during the Lunar New Year holiday. Streptococcus suis infection doesn't only occur in cases of consuming raw blood pudding, raw fermented pork, or undercooked meat; those involved in pig slaughtering are also at risk of infection due to direct contact with contaminated meat. Streptococcus suis infection is an acute infectious disease transmitted from animals to humans, primarily from pigs. The mortality rate from Streptococcus suis is approximately 7%. "If a person infected with this bacteria is not treated promptly, they will develop meningitis, sepsis causing shock, and may suffer severe sequelae," Dr. Nguyen Trung Cap warned; adding that the bacteria causing Streptococcus suis can survive at 60°C for 10 minutes, 50°C for 2 hours, and 10°C for 6 weeks.
The Lunar New Year is also the longest holiday of the year. For a long time, many people have had the mentality of "celebrating the New Year," so they often buy and stockpile a lot of food and drinks for an extended period, leading to a decline in food quality and even spoilage. Meanwhile, during the Lunar New Year, the North often experiences drizzle and humid weather, creating favorable conditions for bacteria and mold to grow. Therefore, food that is not properly stored and preserved is easily moldy, causing food poisoning. In the South, the hot weather makes high-protein foods (such as meat, fish, and sausages) more susceptible to spoilage or contamination with harmful bacteria. In addition, during the first days of the new year, the constant eating and drinking, increased travel, and less sleep disrupt the daily routines of many families, leading to fatigue and even illness.
Beware of "the drunkard"!
During the Lunar New Year, gathering with friends and relatives, and sharing a few drinks to celebrate the new year is a long-standing tradition in many families. However, it is worrying that this practice is being abused, posing not only health risks but also dangers to the community.
Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen, Director of the Poison Control Center at Bach Mai Hospital, said that during the Lunar New Year holiday, the number of people suffering from alcohol poisoning often increases, with many cases putting their lives in critical danger due to methanol poisoning. In addition, alcohol abuse also seriously affects health, especially the cardiovascular system, stomach, liver, pancreas, and mental health. The liver is particularly affected if too much alcohol is consumed. Even the healthiest liver can only process about 1-2 units of alcohol per day (1 unit = 1 glass of wine (125ml) or 270ml of beer, or equivalent to 1 shot of spirits (30ml) with 40% alcohol). When the amount of alcohol consumed exceeds normal, the liver cannot produce enough enzymes to metabolize the alcohol. At this point, toxins produced from alcohol accumulate in the body, directly destroying liver cells, leading to cirrhosis and liver dysfunction over time.
To prevent alcohol poisoning and its related consequences, Dr. Nguyen Trung Nguyen advises that people should strictly adhere to the regulations of the Law on Prevention and Control of the Harmful Effects of Alcohol. In particular, after consuming alcohol, absolutely do not drive any vehicle as this easily leads to traffic accidents; avoid outdoor activities or dangerous, unsafe places as this increases the risk of falls, collisions, and injuries. Limit alcohol consumption as there is no safe limit. If you have inadvertently consumed unsafe alcohol, immediately go to the nearest medical facility or hospital with testing capabilities for examination.
According to the National Children's Hospital, during the Lunar New Year holiday, children may face many risks of accidents and injuries, such as burns, firecracker explosions, choking on foreign objects, food/chemical poisoning, falls, electric shocks, traffic accidents, and drowning. To prevent accidents and injuries to children, the role of parents and caregivers is crucial. Children should not play near electrical outlets; electrical outlets must be carefully covered; food should be sourced from reputable suppliers and prepared safely and hygienically. In addition, keep medicines and chemicals out of reach of children and closely supervise them when they eat nuts such as melon seeds, pumpkin seeds, peanuts, and sunflower seeds.
MINH KHANG
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