Three children in the same family have influenza A, two cases have complications of pneumonia

Recently, Medlatec Healthcare System recorded three cases of influenza A infection, three sisters in the same family. Of these, two children had severe symptoms with complications of pneumonia and had to be hospitalized for treatment.

Recently, Medlatec Healthcare System recorded three cases of influenza A infection, three sisters in the same family. Of these, two children had severe symptoms with complications of pneumonia and had to be hospitalized for treatment.

All three children came to Medlatec with symptoms such as high fever, ineffective antipyretics, severe dry cough, left chest pain, and nasal discharge. The symptoms appeared suddenly and were acute, gradually increasing.

Influenza A is the most common type of seasonal flu, accounting for up to 75% of influenza infections in humans.

Rapid influenza tests were positive for influenza A in all three children. Two girls were in more serious condition and were hospitalized due to complications of pneumonia, with elevated inflammatory markers, including high white blood cell (WBC) and CRP. A CT scan of the lungs showed pneumonia lesions.

As for the boy, because his symptoms were milder, he was prescribed medication and monitored at home under the doctor's instructions. The two hospitalized children were treated intensively according to the protocol, including antibiotics, antipyretics, respiratory support care, and close monitoring of pneumonia.

After 7 days of inpatient treatment, the children's health condition has stabilized. Post-treatment CT scans of the lungs show no more lesions, respiratory function has improved, and health has almost fully recovered.

According to Dr. Tran Thi Kim Ngoc, Pediatrics specialist, Medlatec Clinic No. 2, influenza A is the most common type of seasonal flu, accounting for 75% of flu cases in humans.

Common strains of influenza A virus include: H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, H7N9, of which H5N1 and H7N9 can be transmitted from poultry to humans, posing the risk of a pandemic.

Influenza A viruses can spread from infected birds to humans through close contact, but are mainly transmitted from person to person through the respiratory tract.

When talking, sneezing or coughing, the virus will spread through saliva droplets and can spread to a range of up to 2m. Healthy people who come into close contact with sick people will be at risk of infection.

In addition, influenza A virus can survive for a long time on surfaces such as doorknobs, clothes, phones, dishes and everyday items. The habit of covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing increases the risk of infection. The virus can survive on these surfaces for up to 48 hours, creating an opportunity for the virus to spread in the community.

People with influenza A will have some typical symptoms such as: high fever, sore throat, pharyngitis, prolonged cough, chills, shortness of breath, fatigue and watery eyes when going out in the light. Children with influenza may experience vomiting or diarrhea.

Dr. Ngoc warned that most patients with influenza A can recover within 2-7 days. However, high-risk groups (children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with underlying diseases) can experience dangerous complications such as severe pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, cerebral edema, liver damage, and even miscarriage.

If pregnant women contract influenza A during the first trimester, it can cause birth defects such as cleft lip or heart valve problems. Some severe cases can progress rapidly with symptoms of high fever, difficulty breathing, multiple organ failure, and even death if not treated promptly.

An important factor in dealing with influenza is early diagnosis and timely treatment. When acute symptoms of suspected influenza appear, patients should go to a medical facility for examination, disease identification and proper treatment intervention. At the same time, it is necessary to closely monitor the disease condition to detect early and promptly handle dangerous complications.

According to the Ministry of Health, 289,876 cases of seasonal flu and 8 deaths will be recorded in 2024. The number of cases decreased by 17.9% compared to 2023 (353,108 cases), but the number of deaths increased by 5 cases.

The World Health Organization (WHO) warns of an increase in acute respiratory infections caused by seasonal influenza, RSV, hMPV, and mycoplasma pneumoniae in many Northern Hemisphere countries at the end of the year.

Doctor Ngoc recommends that young children, people with underlying diseases, the elderly and people with weakened immune systems need to be especially careful about the risk of flu infection.

To effectively prevent influenza A, people should follow these 5 important measures: Vaccination: Getting a flu vaccine every year is the most effective way to protect yourself and your family. The vaccine helps the body create immunity against the strains of influenza virus that year.

Personal hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap and water, or an alcohol-based hand rub. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.

Avoid contact with sick people: Limit close contact with people who have the flu. If you have the flu, stay home to avoid spreading it to others.

Sanitize your living environment: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, desks, and telephones. Flu viruses can live on these surfaces for a long time.

Boost your immune system: Eat healthy, exercise regularly, get enough sleep and reduce stress to boost your immune system. A healthy body is the best way to fight disease.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/ba-tre-trong-cung-mot-gia-dinh-mac-cum-a-hai-truong-hop-bien-chung-viem-phoi-d244631.html