On February 10, a representative of the Drug Administration of Vietnam, Ministry of Health, said that Tamiflu (containing the active ingredient Oseltamivir) to treat influenza is still guaranteed, despite a local increase in influenza cases from the end of 2024 and during the Lunar New Year 2025.
Medical news February 10: Information about Tamiflu and the flu situation
On February 10, a representative of the Drug Administration of Vietnam, Ministry of Health, said that Tamiflu (containing the active ingredient Oseltamivir) to treat influenza is still guaranteed, despite a local increase in influenza cases from the end of 2024 and during the Lunar New Year 2025.
No shortage of flu medicine
Specifically, from the beginning of 2025 to now, the whole country has recorded 912 cases of seasonal flu, but no deaths. The number of cases decreased sharply by 97.4% compared to the same period in 2024 (34,442 cases). The flu cases are mainly strains A(H1N1), A(H3N2) and influenza B, and no changes in the virulence of the virus have been recorded.
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In the context of the flu epidemic, many people have rushed to buy Tamiflu to stock up, fearing that prices will increase and the drug will be scarce if the epidemic breaks out. On social networking sites, some drug stores are also selling Tamiflu, even recommending that people stock up on 1-2 packs of the drug at home.
However, a representative of the Drug Administration of Vietnam said that the current supply of Tamiflu is still stable. According to information from the importing company, more than 10,000 boxes of Tamiflu are in stock and 30,000 boxes have been sold to distribution companies. In the near future, the company will import another 50,000 boxes. In addition, the country also produces and supplies drugs containing Oseltamivir, currently there are more than 300,000 tablets available and the wholesale price remains the same.
In particular, the Drug Administration emphasized that increasing the price of Tamiflu for personal gain will be severely punished, with fines ranging from VND50,000,000 to VND80,000,000 for individuals and double that for organizations. Violating organizations and individuals must also remedy the consequences and return the illegal profits from the violation.
Do not use Tamiflu to treat flu on your own.
According to Associate Professor, Dr. Do Duy Cuong, Director of the Center for Tropical Diseases, Bach Mai Hospital, people need to clearly distinguish between colds and flu. Colds usually go away on their own after a few days and do not require special treatment, while flu can cause serious symptoms such as high fever, cough, difficulty breathing and can lead to dangerous complications.
Experts recommend that about 80-90% of flu cases can be cured without medication. Tamiflu is only necessary in severe cases of flu or when there is a risk of worsening, and must be prescribed by a doctor.
Associate Professor, Dr. Do Duy Cuong also emphasized that Tamiflu is only effective when used within the first 48 hours after catching the flu, and should only be used as prescribed by a doctor. At this time, people need to avoid panic and only buy medicine when prescribed by a doctor, to avoid wasting money and using medicine incorrectly.
Putting into use modern CT scanner to improve the quality of diagnosis and treatment
The Somatom Force VB30 CT scanner, capable of taking more than 100,000 slices in one scan, is the first advanced technology deployed in Vietnam.
This is an important step forward in improving the quality of diagnostic imaging in Vietnam, bringing outstanding benefits in the early detection and treatment of many dangerous diseases.
The Somatom Force VB30 super CT machine is capable of creating hundreds of thousands of ultra-thin slices, helping to analyze the patient's body structures in detail. This is especially useful in early and accurate detection of diseases such as tumors, blood vessel blockages or microscopic abnormalities in the body.
The machine will be prioritized for diagnosis and screening of dangerous diseases such as stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease, cancer, brain tumors and diseases of the lungs, liver, gallbladder, pancreas, musculoskeletal system and urinary system.
The Somatom Force VB30 CT scanner uses powerful artificial intelligence (AI) to analyze and mark anatomical landmarks in the body, automatically identifying and displaying body structures on films, helping doctors minimize errors and increase diagnostic accuracy.
The machine is capable of taking very fast pictures with high resolution, allowing the whole body to be taken in less than 2 seconds and "freeze" the movement of organs, especially useful for patients with arrhythmia, children, the elderly or people who cannot stay still for a long time.
According to a representative of Tam Anh General Hospital, a special feature of the Somatom Force VB30 CT machine is the ability to reduce X-ray dose by up to 85% compared to conventional CT machines.
This X-ray dose reduction technology combined with high-quality tin filters helps protect patient health, especially for children and patients who need regular CT scans such as those after joint replacement surgery, spinal interventions, or undergoing cancer treatment.
Warning of the risk of sepsis from unexpected habits
Khang, 15, was admitted to the hospital with a high fever and swelling of the face, nose and under the eyes after having a pimple squeezed. This is a warning about the risk of blood poisoning caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria, which is common in people with minor skin wounds.
After squeezing the pimple, Khang started to have symptoms of high fever, swelling, redness in the nose and under the eyes, and tight skin. Blood tests showed high white blood cell count (18,000/mm³), very high level of inflammation (95.8mg/L, sometimes up to 151.6mg/L).
The doctor diagnosed Khang with facial cellulitis leading to sepsis suspected to be caused by staphylococcus aureus, causing complications that spread from the initial small swelling on his nose.
Staphylococcus aureus sepsis can cause septic shock and damage to many organs in the body. The bacteria can cause pus in places such as the pericardium, lungs, and brain, or eat into the bones causing osteomyelitis. These cases require prolonged treatment, even up to several months.
Khang was ordered a CT scan of the brain and an ultrasound to assess the extent of the infection and identify possible abscesses. Fortunately, due to early hospitalization and immediate administration of antibiotics, the infection had not spread to other organs. After intensive treatment, Khang's fever subsided, swelling in his face and eyes decreased, and his infection indicators also improved.
Staphylococcal sepsis is dangerous and can lead to serious complications such as meningitis, stroke, cranial nerve palsy, coma, and even death. Doctors warn about the "danger triangle" on the face (nose, mouth) - where the veins do not have one-way valves. Infection in this area can quickly spread to the venous system in the skull, carrying bacteria to the brain and other organs.
The doctor emphasized that proper hygiene and timely treatment of minor wounds are very important to prevent infection. Patients should not arbitrarily squeeze pimples or use corticosteroids indiscriminately, but should see a doctor and use antibiotics as prescribed to minimize the risk of serious complications.
Source: https://baodautu.vn/tin-moi-y-te-ngay-102-thong-tin-ve-thuoc-tamiflu-va-tinh-hinh-dich-cum-d245093.html
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