Increasing number of seasonal flu cases, note the signs that require immediate hospitalization

Several hospitals have seen a rapid increase in the number of influenza A cases requiring hospitalization, especially among children. Notably, there have been many cases of severe respiratory complications, pneumonia, bronchitis, and infectious fever.

Several hospitals have seen a rapid increase in the number of influenza A cases requiring hospitalization, especially among children. Notably, there have been many cases of severe respiratory complications, pneumonia, bronchitis, and infectious fever.

Dangerous complications of seasonal flu

According to information from Hong Ngoc Phuc Truong Minh General Hospital, in just the first 5 days of 2025, the Pediatrics Department of Hong Ngoc Hospital received more than 300 cases of influenza A, a sharp increase compared to the same period last year.

It is worth mentioning that nearly 20% of children have had severe respiratory complications, pneumonia, bronchitis, infectious fever... causing difficulties and prolonging treatment time, mostly due to children using drugs at home without prescription and bringing them to the doctor late.

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A typical case is the case of patient NTT (2 years old), before being admitted to the hospital, he had symptoms of mild fever, cough with green phlegm, runny nose, his parents bought medicine to treat him at home for 3 days but it did not help. At the time of admission, the patient's condition had worsened with high fever, lethargy, and rapid breathing.

After examination and paraclinical tests, the doctor determined that the baby was infected with influenza A and secondary pneumonia with respiratory failure. The doctors quickly developed an active treatment regimen and provided oxygen support to improve the condition.

With the sudden increase in cases of influenza A and B in recent days, according to medical experts, the North is currently in the winter-spring transition period, with a large temperature difference between day and night, along with dry air, creating favorable conditions for the flu virus to develop and spread rapidly.

In particular, air pollution caused by fine dust in Hanoi is becoming more serious. Fine dust particles are extremely small in size and can easily penetrate deep into the lungs, causing irritation to the respiratory tract mucosa, increasing the risk of infection and complications from the flu, especially in children with weak immune systems.

In addition, near Tet, when crowded activities such as festivals and shopping are common, children often attend crowded places and are easily exposed to sick people.

Doctor Le Van Thieu, Department of General Infection, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that currently, influenza A and B strains have become one of the common seasonal flu viruses.

Seasonal flu is not only dangerous for children, but even adults with the flu need to pay attention to going to the hospital immediately if they have the following signs when having seasonal flu: Difficulty breathing, rapid breathing; cyanosis, purple lips or fingertips; drowsiness, unconsciousness, or abnormally low body temperature (below 36°C); chest pain, low blood pressure; the patient cannot eat or drink, vomits a lot, is dehydrated (dry lips, sunken eyes). These symptoms can signal dangerous complications such as pneumonia or respiratory failure.

In addition, Dr. Thieu also warned about people with flu buying Tamiflu to treat themselves at home. "Tamiflu (oseltamivir) is an antiviral drug indicated for severe cases of influenza A infection or those at risk of complications.

“This is a drug that requires a doctor's prescription and is only prescribed to appropriate patients with severe symptoms. For children, the dose needs to be adjusted according to weight. Using the drug without a doctor's prescription can cause unwanted side effects and waste medicine or money," the expert warned.

To avoid dangerous complications, it is recommended that when children have the flu, parents should take their children to the doctor immediately if they have the following signs: Continuous high fever above 38.5°C, or convulsions; difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, chest retraction; purple lips and extremities, cold hands and feet; lethargy, fatigue, poor appetite, and frequent vomiting.

Parents should not self-treat at home, ensure that children are fully vaccinated against influenza every year and take them to medical facilities for timely treatment. This is the best way to protect children's health and lives when the flu epidemic is spreading strongly.

To prevent influenza in general, Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai, Safpo/Potec vaccination system said that seasonal influenza is caused by influenza virus and spread in the community with the ability to continuously change antigens. Therefore, annual seasonal influenza vaccine is the most effective preventive measure.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has set up influenza virus monitoring stations around the world to identify the influenza virus strains circulating in different regions. WHO then provides influenza virus strain guidelines for manufacturers to use in the production of seasonal influenza vaccines.

Because the flu virus changes every year, a seasonal flu vaccine is necessary. Anyone can get the flu, but those at high risk of getting the flu and its complications include infants, children under 2 years old, people over 65 years old, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women.

Flu vaccines are a safe and effective way to prevent the flu and its complications, especially during seasonal flu season.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/gia-tang-so-ca-mac-cum-mua-luu-y-dau-hieu-can-nhap-vien-ngay-d240274.html