As Tet approaches, the risk of alcohol poisoning is heightened.

SKĐS - During the 2026 Tet holiday, the risk of alcohol poisoning increases due to the demand for alcoholic beverages. People need to be vigilant about alcohol poisoning and avoid alcohol of unknown origin. Protect your health and your family's health during this festive season.

Báo Sức khỏe Đời sống•15/02/2026

Many cases of severe poisoning.

According to information from Nghe An Friendship General Hospital, the Toxicology Department receives approximately 100 cases of alcohol poisoning each year, of which 30-40 are severe and require dialysis and intensive care. Notably, the number of cases tends to increase in the last months of the year and during the Lunar New Year holiday, when the demand for alcohol in celebrations and year-end parties is high.

As Tet approaches, the risk of alcohol poisoning is increasing - Photo 1.

One victim is on a ventilator, suspected of being poisoned by herbal-infused liquor.

Typically, in late October 2025, the Toxicology Department of Nghe An Friendship General Hospital received six patients from Son Lam commune, Nghe An province, who were experiencing seizures, coma, and respiratory arrest after drinking herbal liquor. The patients were admitted in critical condition, requiring intubation, mechanical ventilation, and intensive care for several days. After treatment, their health gradually stabilized, but close monitoring was still necessary due to the risk of long-term complications.

Previously, at the end of November 2024, the Toxicology Department received two patients with methanol poisoning. One case involved a 41-year-old resident of Vinh City (formerly) who was admitted in a deep coma, with cardiac arrest and severe metabolic acidosis, and died the same day. The other patient was fortunate to receive timely hemodialysis, survived the critical condition, but still experienced blurred vision.

According to Dr. Nguyen Trong Toan from the Toxicology Department, methanol poisoning is very dangerous, with a high mortality rate, especially in cases where hospitalization is delayed. Survivors may suffer neurological sequelae, visual impairment, or even blindness.

As Tet approaches, the risk of alcohol poisoning is increasing - Photo 2.

The homemade herbal wine caused poisoning in 6 patients in Son Lam commune (Nghe An province).

Minimize alcohol consumption during Tet (Lunar New Year).

According to Doctor Nguyen Trong Toan, methanol (CH3OH) is an industrial alcohol used as a solvent, in paints, detergents, and antifreeze. It is not a food-grade alcohol like ethanol. However, due to its low price, some establishments have mixed methanol into alcoholic beverages for sale on the market.

When methanol enters the body, it metabolizes into highly toxic substances, causing severe metabolic acidosis, respiratory depression, and damage to the brain, heart, and many other organs. Patients may experience headaches, blurred vision, nausea, and lethargy, then quickly fall into a coma and suffer multiple organ failure.

In severe cases, in addition to mechanical ventilation, patients must undergo emergency hemodialysis to remove toxins. Any delay carries a very high risk of death. Doctors warn that all types of alcohol are harmful to health, even those produced according to standards. However, the most dangerous are unregulated and homemade alcoholic beverages with uncontrolled ingredients.

People should not drink alcohol of unknown origin or without labels; they should not drink alcohol infused with strange plants, roots, or animals; they should minimize alcohol consumption during Tet; if they experience headaches, blurred vision, vomiting, or drowsiness after drinking alcohol, they should go to a medical facility immediately and not self-treat at home.

Tet is a time for family reunions. A joyful toast can turn into tragedy if one is careless. Maintaining moderation and choosing safe options is the way to protect yourself and your family during the first days of spring.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/tet-den-canh-bao-nguy-co-ngo-doc-ruou-tang-cao-169260210220244095.htm