Increase in respiratory illnesses among children.

A 14% increase compared to the same period last year.

On November 4th, Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the City Children's Hospital (Ho Chi Minh City), stated that the number of pediatric patients seeking treatment for respiratory illnesses increased in October, with approximately 7% of these children developing severe conditions requiring hospitalization.

"Compared to the same period last year, the number of children with respiratory illnesses at the City Children's Hospital has increased by 14%. It is predicted that the number of cases will continue to rise until the end of the year because the changing weather during the transitional seasons, shifting from sunny to rainy and hot to cold, makes children more susceptible to respiratory illnesses," Dr. Tien shared.

According to Dr. Nguyen Van Dan, Head of the Traditional Medicine Pediatric Clinic at the University Medical Center of Ho Chi Minh City - Branch 3, 70-80% of the children examined suffer from respiratory illnesses. Besides young children, the number of adults with respiratory illnesses at the hospital is also increasing.

"Ho Chi Minh City's weather is currently in a transitional period with chilly mornings, hot afternoons, and evening rain. Therefore, both adults and children are at high risk of respiratory illnesses. Young children, with their weaker immune systems, have a higher incidence of illness. Parents need to keep their children warm during cold weather and provide them with proper nutrition to boost their immune system and reduce the risk of colds and minor illnesses," Dr. Dan shared.

Master's degree holder and doctor Nguyen Van Dan examines a child with a respiratory illness.

At Children's Hospital 2 in Ho Chi Minh City, the number of children suffering from respiratory illnesses has increased in recent weeks. While at the beginning of October, the Respiratory Department 1 admitted an average of 170-180 inpatients per day, recently the number of children under treatment has increased to about 250 per day.

Improve nutrition and get enough sleep to prevent illness.

According to Doctor Tien, changing weather patterns, with unpredictable sunshine and rain, create favorable conditions for bacteria and viruses to thrive and attack young children, especially those under 3 years old with weak immune systems. Therefore, parents need to ensure their children receive all necessary vaccinations, and for children under 36 months, they should take them to receive vitamin A supplements according to schedule. Parents should also ensure their children have a balanced and nutritious diet with all essential nutrients.

"Hot days and cold nights make children very susceptible to respiratory illnesses, bronchitis, pneumonia, etc. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to caring for their children, dressing them in light, breathable clothing during the day and keeping them warm at night. Ensure children get enough sleep, rest properly after school and playtime, and maintain a clean living environment," Dr. Tien shared.

Children with respiratory illnesses often begin with symptoms such as coughing, fever, runny nose, and nasal congestion. Signs of worsening condition include rapid breathing, chest retraction during inhalation, wheezing, and cyanosis (bluish discoloration of the skin). Therefore, parents need to closely monitor their children's symptoms and, if signs of worsening condition appear, they should be hospitalized for timely treatment.

7 principles for preventing respiratory diseases

The Ho Chi Minh City Center for Disease Control (HCDC) recommends that people follow 7 principles to prevent respiratory diseases:

• Maintain a safe distance from people who have colds, flu, or coughs.
• Wash your hands properly with soap to remove bacteria and viruses from your skin. In addition, you should also teach children the correct handwashing techniques to prevent illness.
• When a family member has a respiratory illness, regularly clean the house, kitchen, and bathroom with disinfectant.
• Drinking enough water every day helps keep your body hydrated, ensures efficient metabolism, boosts immunity, and reduces the risk of illness, including respiratory diseases.
• To reduce stress, you can exercise regularly, meditate, practice deep breathing, or try muscle relaxation techniques such as massage.
• Try to get 7-9 hours of sleep each day to keep your body healthy. Sleep plays a huge role in your body's immune system.
• You might consider supplementing with zinc, vitamin C, and probiotics during the cold season to help prevent illness. These are essential micronutrients for the immune system to help the body fight off disease.

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