Respiratory infections are likely to increase.

According to the HCDC, in addition to recording an increase in the number of acute respiratory infections worldwide (most notably in China and Ho Chi Minh City), the World Health Organization (WHO) also recorded a slight increase in COVID-19 cases in December.

In addition, a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, JN.1, is becoming increasingly prevalent in many countries worldwide , with higher transmissibility. Fortunately, there is currently no evidence of an increased risk to public health posed by this subvariant compared to previous variants.

This shows that the SARS-CoV-2 virus is constantly mutating and may change its transmission characteristics, disease severity, the effectiveness of vaccines and treatments, as well as diagnostic tests for the virus.

Alongside the increase in the number of cases, the world has also seen a new variant of the SARS-CoV-2 virus, JN.1, gradually becoming prevalent in many countries with higher transmissibility. However, the HCDC stated that the COVID-19 vaccine, detection tests, and treatments are still expected to be effective against the new JN.1 variant.

In Ho Chi Minh City, respiratory infections are likely to increase (Figure 1). — People need to be vigilant about respiratory infections during the end of the year.

The agency also warned that the end of the year is when the demand for poultry is higher than usual, which could increase the risk of H5N1 avian influenza in humans. For example, at the end of November 2023, Cambodia recorded two more cases of H5N1 avian influenza, bringing the total number of cases since the beginning of the year to six, including four deaths.

Given the potential for an increase in disease outbreaks towards the end of the year, the Ho Chi Minh City Health Department advises people to take preventive measures.

For the prevention of respiratory infections:

Actively wear face masks in healthcare facilities, on public transport, and in crowded places; frequently wash hands with clean water, soap, or hand sanitizer; rinse mouth and throat with mouthwash; avoid touching eyes, nose, and mouth; cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing; maintain good environmental and personal hygiene, keep warm, exercise regularly, and improve physical condition; avoid contact with people who have respiratory symptoms such as cough, fever, shortness of breath, etc.

Individuals with suspected symptoms should limit close contact with others, especially those in high-risk groups (the elderly, children, pregnant women, and those with underlying health conditions); get vaccinated against diseases for which vaccines are available, such as influenza and COVID-19; and if you suspect you have the disease, go immediately to the nearest medical facility for timely advice, examination, and treatment.

Regarding the prevention of avian influenza transmission to humans:

Do not consume poultry or poultry products that are sick, dead, or of unknown origin. Choose reliable sources for purchasing poultry with clear origins; cook food thoroughly before drinking; do not slaughter, transport, or trade poultry or poultry products of unknown origin; if sick or dead poultry is found, absolutely do not slaughter or use it, but immediately notify the local authorities and veterinary unit.

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