Increasing the price of flu medicine for profit will be severely punished.

Representatives from the Drug Administration Department ( Ministry of Health ) affirmed that the supply of drugs containing the active ingredient Oseltamivir, used in the treatment of influenza, is currently still sufficient.

Increasing the price of flu medicine for profit will be severely punished.

Representatives from the Drug Administration Department (Ministry of Health ) affirmed that the supply of drugs containing the active ingredient Oseltamivir, used in the treatment of influenza, is currently still sufficient.

Specifically, regarding Tamiflu, the importing company stated that it has an inventory of over 10,000 boxes, has sold over 30,000 boxes to distribution companies, and will import an additional 50,000 boxes soon. Domestic manufacturers have also supplied over 300,000 tablets containing Oseltamivir, with wholesale prices remaining unchanged.

The Drug Administration also issued three documents requiring units to proactively supply medicines, and not to hoard or unreasonably increase prices.

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The latest document, signed on February 12th by Mr. Nguyen Thanh Lam, Deputy Director of the Drug Administration Department, requests local Departments of Health to organize inspections, checks, and strictly handle violations in the business of antiviral drugs, especially drugs for treating seasonal influenza.

Violations include incorrect price declarations, failure to display drug prices, selling drugs at prices higher than the listed price, and selling drugs of unknown origin or without a doctor's prescription.

Doctors only prescribe Tamiflu when a patient has flu-like symptoms and tests positive for influenza A or influenza B. Tamiflu is typically used within the first 48 hours of symptom onset.

Dr. Tran Thu Nguyet, a specialist at the Vietnam Institute of Applied Medicine, emphasized that Tamiflu helps reduce the severity and duration of influenza, while also limiting the risk of complications. However, the drug is not a cure for all cases of influenza and should only be used when prescribed by a doctor.

Dr. Nguyet also stated that Tamiflu has been approved for use in children from 2 weeks of age and older since 1999. Side effects are generally mild and rare, but may include nausea and vomiting. The doctor advised parents not to give Tamiflu to their children without a doctor's prescription, especially if the child has severe flu symptoms.

Tamiflu can help reduce flu symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness by 1 to 3 days, allowing children to return to school and play activities sooner.

The medication can also reduce the risk of pneumonia and other health problems associated with the flu. When used early, Tamiflu also helps prevent ear infections as the flu progresses. However, it is not effective against some strains of the flu and is not indicated for flu prevention in all children.

Dr. Nguyet warned that self-medicating with Tamiflu without proper prescription can lead to drug resistance, making future flu treatment more difficult. If a child has severe flu symptoms or is at high risk of complications, the doctor will assess the situation and prescribe Tamiflu if necessary.

According to information from the Ministry of Health, the number of influenza cases in Vietnam has increased locally since the end of 2024 and during the Lunar New Year holiday in 2025. Common influenza virus strains currently include influenza A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and influenza B.

The high humidity during the winter and spring seasons creates favorable conditions for viruses to develop and spread, coupled with increased trade and festive activities during the Lunar New Year.

Dr. Thuc, from the Department of Tropical Diseases, said that from January 2025, the hospital received approximately 250 cases of influenza. After the Lunar New Year, the number of influenza patients tended to increase, with an average of 10 patients per day, and sometimes up to 40 patients. Notably, not only children, the elderly, or those with underlying health conditions, but even young, healthy people are at risk of contracting influenza and experiencing complications if they are careless.

According to Dr. Nguyen Tuan Hai of the Safpo/Potec Vaccination System, annual flu vaccination is the most effective way to prevent influenza and its dangerous complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) announced that influenza vaccination can reduce influenza-related deaths by 70-80% and provide 80-90% protection.

Specifically, for patients with chronic diseases, vaccination can reduce hospitalization and mortality rates by 35% in cardiovascular patients, 58% in diabetic patients, and 70% in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease patients.

In addition, to prevent seasonal flu, experts recommend that people cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing, wear masks in crowded places, wash their hands frequently, and get a seasonal flu vaccine every year.

When experiencing flu-like symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, headache, and fatigue, people should not self-medicate but should seek timely medical attention at a healthcare facility.

Source: https://baodautu.vn/tang-gia-thuoc-dieu-tri-cum-de-truc-loi-se-bi-xu-phat-nghiem-khac-d247656.html