Influenza A, which occurred in an industrial complex in Hanoi, infected more than 100 people in two weeks, and some were severe enough to require ventilators.
Nguyen Nguyen Huyen National Hospital of Tropical Diseases Medical Diagnosis Director confirmed that more than 100 people had been diagnosed with the H1N1 flu in the past two weeks.
On July 14 alone, the hospital reported 20 Influenza A, all young and healthy workers in the Kim Chunk Industrial Complex in Dongan District. At least 10 children who were relatives of the workers also showed symptoms such as fever, sore throat and fatigue. One of them had pneumonia, and the condition wasn’t serious enough to require hospitalization, but it might get worse in the next few days.
Nguyen Thi Huong, head of the Department of Occupational Diseases at the General Hospital in Turn An District, said the number of influenza A cases has increased significantly in recent years. The department received more than 10 patients per day on a particular day. Many people come to the hospital with symptoms such as high fever and fatigue, and some are already suffering from respiratory difficulties due to pneumonia.
A representative from the Hanoi Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said on the 18th (local time) that he was aware of a surge in influenza A, but mostly mild. The center will continue to monitor the situation and issue an alert to the public if necessary, she said.
Influenza A, which is caused by influenza A virus, is one of four types of influenza viruses including B, C, and D. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it is the only influenza virus known to typically cause seasonal flu epidemics.
Judging from previous years’ experience in Vietnam, it is unusual because the ongoing influenza A outbreak is occurring earlier than expected. Influenza A usually peaks during the winter-spring period when the temperature is low and the air is humid.
Many experts said that unusual weather patterns, such as a cold wave in May, for example, might be the reason for the current influenza A epidemic. It might prove to be a troubling health risk, especially as the COVID-19 wave continues and dengue cases rise at the same time.
Influenza A infections are usually mild and resolve within 2-7 days, but can become serious in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, people with underlying medical conditions, and pregnant women.
In addition to regular disease prevention measures such as frequent hand washing and wearing a mask, you should get a flu shot every year, especially those in vulnerable groups.
-VN Express
