Increasing cases of influenza A, experts recommend disease prevention

(Chinhphu.vn) - In recent days, the number of flu cases, especially influenza A, has been increasing sharply. The disease occurs in all ages and progresses rapidly, with many cases requiring hospitalization due to severe complications.

Children with flu examined at Hanoi Children's Hospital - Photo: VGP

Increased cases of influenza A

Recently, the number of seasonal flu cases, especially influenza A, recorded at the National Children's Hospital has tended to increase. From the beginning of October 2025 to the first week of November, the total number of seasonal flu cases recorded in the entire Hospital was 3,726 cases, of which 479 children had to be hospitalized for treatment.

In just one week, from October 27 to November 2, the hospital recorded 1,518 cases positive for flu, 169 children were hospitalized for treatment. Among them were many cases of complications such as pneumonia, otitis media, and convulsions due to fever.

At Hanoi Children's Hospital, in the first week of November, the hospital also recorded 280 visits related to flu symptoms, of which 65 cases had to be hospitalized. Currently, the hospital is treating more than 30 pediatric patients.

The Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases is also treating nearly 50 patients with influenza A. The number of outpatient examinations and treatments due to influenza A has increased rapidly in recent weeks, most of whom are children, with children from a few months old to 10 years old being hospitalized with bronchitis - pneumonia, high fever, runny nose, dry cough, fatigue, poor appetite...

The number of influenza A cases increased at many medical facilities - Photo: VGP

The disease progresses rapidly.

Master, Resident Doctor Nguyen Dinh Dung, Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases, said that influenza A is an acute infectious disease transmitted through the respiratory tract, which can occur at any age, but young children, the elderly or people with underlying diseases are at higher risk because their immune systems are weak and susceptible to serious complications.

Notably, the early stages of influenza A are often similar to symptoms of other respiratory viruses, however the disease can progress very quickly, causing serious complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure or sepsis if not detected and treated promptly.

According to Dr. Nguyen Dinh Dung, most children with influenza A have a high fever, runny nose, and increasing cough, accompanied by fatigue and crying. In addition, children may have convulsions due to high fever, vomiting, and diarrhea. If the disease progresses severely, children may become lethargic, less responsive, refuse to breastfeed, breathe rapidly, or have their chest retracted - all of which are warning signs of complications. Older children and adults often experience more obvious symptoms of body aches and pains, and aching bones and joints.

Medical experts also said that the changing seasons are ideal conditions for viruses, including influenza A, B and C, to thrive. This is also the reason why the number of seasonal flu cases is increasing rapidly in the community. Depending on the strain of virus, flu causes different symptoms and severity.

Disease prevention and caution for subjects at risk of complications

Influenza can recur many times because the influenza virus is constantly changing. To proactively prevent the disease, Dr. Do Thi Thuy Nga, Deputy Director of Hanoi Children's Hospital, recommends that people need to strengthen general measures including: hand hygiene, covering hands when coughing, limiting gatherings in crowded places, wearing masks when in contact with crowded places; eating a full, balanced diet, and getting enough rest to improve physical condition.

At the same time, take specific disease prevention measures such as flu vaccination (if not vaccinated this year).

People who are sick should be isolated at home or in the hospital (when indicated). They must wear a mask when in contact with people or when leaving the house until they are cured.

MSc. Do Thi Thuy Hau, Head Nurse of the Tropical Disease Center, National Children's Hospital, also recommends that parents pay special attention to children at risk of severe progression, monitor warning signs such as high fever that does not go down, rapid breathing, convulsions, fatigue, cyanosis... and take the children to the nearest medical facility for examination, early diagnosis and timely and proper treatment.

In mild cases, parents should know how to properly care for themselves at home to avoid spreading and reduce complications.

Experts also emphasize that you should not use medicine at home without permission, especially antibiotics. Taking your child to the doctor in time will help you get the right treatment and limit serious complications.

Hien Minh

Source: https://baochinhphu.vn/gia-tang-ca-mac-cum-a-chuyen-gia-khuyen-cao-cach-phong-benh-102251113151108673.htm