Flu? Don't wait until it's too late!

According to Dan Tri Online Newspaper, the flu epidemic is seriously spreading in many countries, especially in Japan, making vaccination even more urgent. However, according to doctors, don't wait until it's too late; it takes time for antibodies to develop against the flu.

1. Changing weather patterns – A cause of flu outbreaks in many parts of the world.

According to WHO reports, seasonal influenza is increasing globally in many European and Asian countries. In Japan, during the winter of 2024, the number of hospitalizations due to influenza complications surged, and was considered the worst influenza outbreak in 25 years. The consequences included overloaded hospitals, shortages of medical supplies, and sadly, many deaths.

In Vietnam, several major hospitals in Hanoi have reported many severe cases of influenza. These include some cases of influenza A, some patients requiring ECMO intervention, and patients with influenza co-existing with other medical conditions.

The number of patients seeking medical attention and being hospitalized due to influenza has increased at many hospitals. Photo: Thu Cúc TCI.

According to Dr. Dang Thi Kim Hanh, Head of the Vaccination Unit at Thu Cuc TCI, the influenza virus can survive for hours in the environment when the weather is cold. It can survive for several weeks at 0-4 degrees Celsius, and for years at -20 degrees Celsius and in freeze-dried form. The period after the Lunar New Year is usually cold but humid, creating favorable conditions for the spread and outbreak of influenza.
Influenza symptoms are usually mild in people with good immunity, including signs such as runny nose, sneezing, coughing, body aches, and fever. With adequate rest, keeping warm, proper nutrition, and treatment with common medications, the illness will resolve on its own within a few days without hospitalization.

However, the virus can cause serious complications for the elderly, children, pregnant women, and people with chronic diseases or weakened immune systems. Severe damage to the respiratory system can lead to complications such as pneumonia, co-infections, myocarditis, fetal malformations, miscarriage, or premature birth. In severe cases, patients may require mechanical ventilation or dialysis due to respiratory and multi-organ failure, and their lives may even be threatened. "The worrying thing is that we don't know who might experience severe complications, and even young, healthy people can suffer serious complications if they haven't been vaccinated," Dr. Hanh warned.

2. Why shouldn't you wait until an outbreak occurs to get a flu vaccine?

Annual flu vaccination is recommended, and anyone who can get vaccinated should do so as soon as possible without waiting for the flu season, as flu cases are present year-round in Vietnam. Currently, the most common flu vaccines are inactivated vaccines, administered by injection, containing four strains of influenza (including two strains of influenza A and two strains of influenza B), which are updated annually based on the circulating trends of the influenza virus.

People should proactively get vaccinated annually, before an epidemic occurs. Photo: Thu Cúc TCI

According to Dr. Hanh, many people still have a complacent attitude, only getting vaccinated when an epidemic has already appeared. This is a misconception because it takes 2-3 weeks for the body to produce enough antibodies to protect against the vaccine.
When vaccinations are given only during outbreaks, the immune system is not yet fully developed to fight off the flu virus, leaving vaccinated individuals at high risk of contracting the disease if exposed to sources of infection. Therefore, health experts always recommend proactively getting vaccinated before the flu season to ensure effective disease prevention.
Those who should be prioritized for vaccination.

Pregnant women and women planning to become pregnant should get a flu shot. Photo: Thu Cúc TCI

Dr. Hanh stated that flu vaccination is encouraged for everyone; however, priority groups for vaccination include children from 6 months old with incomplete immune systems; people over 65 years old due to age-related immune system decline and multiple chronic diseases; and pregnant and breastfeeding women, as vaccination provides additional protection for both mother and child. Particularly important are those with chronic diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney failure, and chronic liver disease, due to a higher risk of complications compared to the general population.
In addition, high-risk groups such as healthcare workers, teachers, daycare workers, people working in air-conditioned environments, and those who travel frequently for work should also be vaccinated early to ensure their health and limit the spread of disease in the community.

In addition, family members with babies, pregnant women, the elderly, or those with chronic illnesses should also get vaccinated against the flu to protect themselves and to create a protective barrier for these priority groups.

To encourage people to proactively prevent illness, Thu Cúc TCI Vaccination Clinic is offering a 5% discount on flu vaccinations this month. The clinic applies a strict vaccination process according to international standards, including thorough screening, vaccine storage in a standard cold chain, 30-minute post-vaccination monitoring, and a team of experienced specialist doctors on duty to monitor the vaccination progress.
Don't wait until an epidemic knocks on your door to think about prevention. Take proactive steps to protect your health and your family's health starting today. Contact 1900 55 88 92 to schedule an appointment and receive advice.

Source: https://benhvienthucuc.vn/cum-dung-de-nuoc-den-chan-moi-nhay/