The dangers of seasonal flu and how to protect your health during peak season

In the context of the complex situation of seasonal influenza with an increase in the number of cases, E Hospital advises people to proactively take preventive measures to protect their own health, their families, and the community.

The dangers of seasonal flu and how to protect your health during peak season.

In the context of the complex situation of seasonal influenza with an increase in the number of cases, E Hospital advises people to proactively take preventive measures to protect their own health, their families, and the community.

Key measures include getting a flu vaccine, maintaining personal hygiene, and monitoring your health promptly, which can help reduce the risk of infection and dangerous complications.

Early warning signs of seasonal flu symptoms.

One typical case is patient NTT (female, 73 years old, Hanoi ), who was admitted to the hospital with symptoms of prolonged high fever, cough with phlegm, sore throat, and fatigue.

Previously, the patient had self-medicated without consulting a doctor. When their condition worsened, they went to Hospital E and were diagnosed with a secondary infection of influenza A. At the hospital, the patient was treated with antibiotics and antiviral drugs for influenza, combined with supportive measures such as cough suppressants, fever reducers, and fluid and electrolyte replacement.

Influenza can cause dangerous complications not only in the elderly or those with underlying health conditions, but also in young, healthy individuals. For example, patient NNP (female, 30 years old, Hanoi) had a high fever, headache, cough with phlegm, runny nose, and body aches before being hospitalized. After self-testing for influenza at home and receiving a positive result, the patient self-administered Tamiflu for two days.

However, the condition did not improve, leading to hospitalization. At Hospital E, the patient was diagnosed with a secondary infection of influenza B and treated similarly to patient NTT.

According to MSc. Dr. Dinh Thi Bich Thuc, Department of Tropical Diseases, since January 2025, the Department of Tropical Diseases has received approximately 250 cases of various types of influenza.

After the Lunar New Year in 2025, the number of patients seeking examination and treatment tended to increase, averaging about 10 patients per day. On some days, doctors examined nearly 40 patients, and more than half of them had influenza.

In particular, not only the elderly, young children, or those with underlying health conditions, but even young, healthy people are at risk of contracting the flu and experiencing complications if they are careless.

Seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, transmitted directly through droplets from infected individuals when they talk, cough, or sneeze.

Although many cases of influenza can resolve on their own, if left untreated, the illness can worsen and cause dangerous complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, bacterial superinfection, and even be life-threatening in severe cases.

According to the Ministry of Health , from the end of 2024 to the Lunar New Year of 2025, the number of influenza cases tends to increase, but there is no sudden surge compared to previous years.

Common influenza virus strains today include influenza A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B. The humid winter and spring weather creates favorable conditions for viruses to develop and spread, coupled with increased travel, trade, and festive activities, further increasing the risk of outbreaks.

Doctors warn that those at high risk of complications from seasonal flu include: pregnant women, children under 5 years old, people over 65 years old, people with chronic conditions such as HIV/AIDS, asthma, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, as well as healthcare workers.

Recommended measures to prevent seasonal influenza include covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a handkerchief or disposable tissue.

Wear a mask in crowded places or on public transport. Wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing. Do not spit in public. Limit contact with people who have the flu or are suspected of having it.

Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza. Maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, and increase physical activity to improve your health.

When experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, headache, and fatigue, people should not self-test or buy medication to treat themselves at home. Instead, they should contact the nearest medical facility or go to E Hospital for timely advice and treatment.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/moi-nguy-tu-cum-mua-va-cach-bao-ve-suc-khoe-trong-giai-doan-cao-diem-d247180.html