Proactively prevent winter diseases

*Doctors from the Department of Tropical Medicine ( Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital) examine a child patient. Photo: LE HUNG*

The number of children hospitalized has increased significantly.

According to the city's Center for Disease Control (CDC), as of September 30th, seasonal influenza cases in Da Nang have decreased by 24.9% compared to the same period in 2024. However, since the beginning of October 2025, some medical facilities in the city have recorded a significant increase in the number of children hospitalized with viral influenza and respiratory illnesses. This may be due to erratic weather conditions, which create favorable conditions for the seasonal influenza virus to develop and spread.

In recent days, the number of pediatric patients hospitalized for respiratory illnesses at Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital has increased significantly. Many of these cases are severe and require oxygen therapy and intravenous fluids.

According to the leadership of Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital, the majority of pediatric patients being treated in the Tropical Medicine Department suffer from respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis, pharyngitis, and influenza. Many cases are due to parents self-treating and administering medication at home, causing the disease to progress rapidly and leading to dangerous complications when brought to the hospital for emergency treatment.

According to Dr. Tran Van Linh, Department of Tropical Medicine (Da Nang Obstetrics and Pediatrics Hospital), the number of pediatric patients treated at the Department of Tropical Medicine is on the rise, with many cases involving high fever, convulsions, difficulty breathing, loss of appetite, vomiting, etc., requiring long-term treatment with antibiotics, oxygen therapy, or nebulizer support.

Dr. Nguyen Dai Vinh, Director of the Da Nang CDC, said that in response to the increase in respiratory illnesses, the unit is implementing a comprehensive set of solutions to proactively control the situation. This includes strengthening surveillance in the community, schools, and healthcare facilities to detect cases early, handle them promptly, and prevent further spread.

“The CDC has issued professional guidance and provided close support to lower-level units in disease prevention and control. At the same time, it has inspected and reminded people to comply with hygiene and infection control measures in hospitals and schools. The goal is to effectively control the situation, protect public health, and maintain safety in daily life, learning, and treatment,” Dr. Vinh informed.

Proactive disease prevention

Recognizing communication as a key solution, the city's CDC is stepping up its dissemination of information through multiple channels, using easily understandable content that closely follows the recommendations of the Ministry of Health and the World Health Organization (WHO) on preventing influenza and respiratory diseases.

*People are proactively bringing their children to the CDC in Da Nang to get flu vaccinations. Photo: LE HUNG*

Simultaneously, closely coordinate with schools, health centers, and hospitals in guiding people to maintain personal hygiene, wear masks when necessary, cover their mouths when coughing, wash their hands frequently, and proactively monitor their health. In particular, strengthen communication and provide advice and answers to reassure people and encourage them to proactively get the flu vaccine.

Seasonal influenza circulates annually with many different virus strains, so vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent the disease and reduce the risk of complications. The city's CDC recommends that the following groups should proactively get vaccinated: children, pregnant women, the elderly, people with chronic diseases (cardiovascular, respiratory, diabetes), healthcare workers, and those who frequently come into contact with large crowds. These are groups at high risk of contracting influenza or experiencing severe symptoms if they do contract the flu.

Ms. Nguyen Thi Hoa (residing in Hai Chau ward) said: "Because I have an underlying condition of asthma, when I learned that the seasonal flu epidemic was on the rise, I proactively went to get vaccinated early."

Currently, the Da Nang CDC offers various types of seasonal flu vaccines, mainly inactivated 3- and 4-component flu vaccines, suitable for different age groups and people's needs.

Dr. Nguyen Dai Vinh advises that preventing seasonal influenza and respiratory illnesses is not only about protecting individual health but also about reducing the risk of community spread. People need to fully implement preventive measures, first and foremost getting the flu vaccine. In addition, everyone should maintain the habit of washing hands frequently with soap or disinfectant, covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, wearing masks in crowded places, keeping warm, and improving their nutrition to boost their overall health.

“When experiencing symptoms such as fever, cough, and muscle aches, people should limit contact with others, proactively seek medical attention for timely advice and treatment, and avoid self-medication. Full awareness and cooperation from the community are key factors in controlling seasonal influenza, reducing cases, limiting complications, and protecting the overall health of society,” said Dr. Vinh.

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