Ministry of Health latest information on influenza virus in Vietnam

There is currently no sudden increase in the number of cases recorded in the country compared to the same period last year, with the main agents being influenza A/H3N2.

, A/H1N1 and influenza B.

No record of sudden increase in flu

Faced with the reality of severe flu cases being hospitalized, this afternoon, February 8, the Ministry of Health said that although the number of flu cases has increased locally since the end of 2024 and during the Lunar New Year holiday in 2025, there has been no sudden increase compared to the number of cases recorded in the same period of previous years.

Most people with the flu recover in 3 to 5 days, but people with chronic illnesses or weakened immune systems are at risk of more severe illness.

The main agents causing influenza in Vietnam are currently influenza virus strains A/H3N2, A/H1N1 and influenza B. "There has been no recorded change in the virulence of the influenza virus," said an infectious disease expert.

Regarding measles, the Ministry of Health assessed that the number of cases is currently decreasing compared to December 2024, but is still increasing locally in some localities. Currently, it is the winter and spring weather period with monsoon and humid climate conditions, favorable for the development of respiratory pathogens, leading to an increased risk of cases such as seasonal flu, measles, rash fever, etc. In addition, this is also the festival season at the beginning of the year, the demand for trade and tourism increases; there are often large gatherings at tourist, entertainment, recreation and public areas, increasing the risk of infection.

According to the World Health Organization, measles is still on the rise in many countries; along with that, the incidence of influenza syndromes and acute respiratory infections will also increase from the end of 2024, especially in countries in the northern hemisphere.

Closely monitor the infectious disease situation

Domestically, the Ministry of Health today sent a dispatch to the People's Committees of provinces and cities requesting to strengthen the prevention and control of flu, measles and respiratory diseases.

The Ministry of Health requests that the People's Committees of provinces and cities direct the health departments and relevant units to thoroughly implement the Prime Minister's direction in Official Dispatch No. 116/CD-TTg dated November 14, 2024 and effectively organize vaccination against measles.

Direct the assurance of funding and mobilize the participation of local authorities at all levels, departments, branches and organizations to synchronously, promptly and effectively deploy epidemic prevention and control measures, especially the implementation of the measles vaccination plan in the area.

At the same time, review the vaccination subjects to organize catch-up vaccinations and catch-up vaccinations for those who have not been vaccinated or have not received enough doses of measles vaccine; continue to maintain and increase the vaccination rate of vaccines in the Expanded Immunization Program to ensure disease prevention immunity for children.

The Ministry of Health also requested provinces and cities to closely monitor the situation of infectious diseases in the area, especially influenza, measles and acute respiratory diseases, severe viral pneumonia syndrome; proactively monitor and pay attention to monitoring.

Focus on early detection of suspected cases at medical facilities, educational institutions, industrial clusters and zones... ensuring logistics, funding, drugs, vaccines, equipment, and human resources to meet the requirements for treatment and prevention of infectious diseases.

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/bo-y-te-thong-tin-moi-nhat-ve-virus-gay-benh-cum-tai-viet-nam-18525020817101699.htm