Nghe An: Many children hospitalized with seasonal flu.

The vast majority of pediatric patients arrive for examination when symptoms such as high fever, runny nose, and sneezing have just appeared. Some children arrive at the hospital quite late (3-4 days after the onset of symptoms). These late-arriving children have already developed complications of influenza such as pneumonia and middle ear infections, requiring hospitalization. The number of pediatric patients hospitalized with influenza is approximately 30-40 children per day.

One of the children hospitalized was NQM (36 months old, from Hung Chinh commune, Vinh City). Three days prior, NQM had a fever, but her family did not take her to a medical facility in time. Ms. TTT, NQM's mother, said: On the afternoon of February 6th, the family took her to the doctor for examination and testing, where doctors discovered she had influenza B with complications of acute bronchitis...

According to Dr. Vuong Thi Minh Nguyet, Head of the Outpatient Department at Nghe An Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital: The phenomenon of many children contracting seasonal influenza appeared before Tet (Lunar New Year) and has continued until now. Depending on the severity, doctors will decide whether to admit the child to the hospital for treatment or advise them to go home for treatment.

Seasonal influenza is an acute infectious disease characterized by fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. The main causative agents are influenza A(H3N2), influenza A(H1N1), influenza B, and influenza C viruses. The disease is highly contagious, spreading through the respiratory tract via droplets of saliva or nasal and throat secretions from sneezing, coughing, and spitting. Typically, the illness is mild and recovery occurs within 2-7 days.

However, for children (under 6 months old, with congenital heart disease, immunodeficiency), and the elderly (with chronic heart, lung, kidney, metabolic diseases, anemia)... the disease can progress more severely, be more prone to complications, and may even lead to death.

Seasonal fluInfluenza is a serious global public health problem. In Vietnam, influenza occurs year-round, with over 287,000 cases and 8 deaths recorded in 2024. Currently, the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases is receiving and treating a significant number of severe, even life-threatening, cases of seasonal influenza.

According to Specialist Doctor Vuong Thi Minh Nguyet: Seasonal influenza tends to spread into epidemics during the winter and spring. The humid, cold climate with heavy rainfall creates favorable conditions for bacteria and viruses to multiply rapidly, increasing the risk of illness. At the same time, this period often sees many festivals, leading to increased travel and thus a higher risk of influenza outbreaks. Many people are complacent when they contract the flu, thinking it's just a mild illness and not seeking medical attention early. When the disease progresses to a severe stage and patients are finally hospitalized, treatment becomes more difficult.

Information from the Provincial Center for Disease ControlNghe AnIn 2024, the province recorded 19,990 cases of influenza of all types (no deaths), a decrease of 1,233 cases compared to 2023. In January 2025, the province recorded 655 cases of influenza, lower than the same period in 2023 (1,503 cases) and the same period in 2024 (2,375 cases).

However, according to epidemiologists, these figures do not fully reflect the number of flu cases. Many people with the flu did not go to the hospital but instead self-tested, bought medication themselves, or went to private clinics for examination and treatment.

According to Dr. Nguyen Trong Di, Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control at the Nghe An Provincial Center for Disease Control: Influenza viruses are constantly mutating, therefore vaccination is considered the best preventive measure.

Currently, the influenza vaccine is not included in the national expanded immunization program. According to Government Resolution No. 104/NQ-CP dated August 15, 2022, the influenza vaccine will only be included in the expanded immunization program by 2030. However, in Nghe An province, there are many private vaccination centers. People can get the influenza vaccine at these centers.

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To proactively prevent and control seasonal influenza, people should limit unnecessary contact with people who have influenza or are suspected of having the disease.
Wear a mask in crowded places and on public transport; wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer (especially after coughing or sneezing). Do not spit indiscriminately in public places.
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth, handkerchief, disposable tissue, or your sleeve, to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions.
Get vaccinated against seasonal illnesses and flu; maintain a healthy lifestyle; eat a nutritious diet to prevent flu virus infection; increase physical activity and improve overall health.
When experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, headache, and fatigue, do not self-medicate or buy over-the-counter drugs. Instead, contact a healthcare facility for timely advice, examination, and treatment.

Dr. Nguyen Trong Di, MD, MSc – Deputy Head of the Department of Infectious Disease Prevention and Control, Nghe An Provincial Center for Disease Control.