Peak flu season - What should parents pay attention to so that their children don't have complications?

The article was professionally consulted by Specialist Doctor II, Senior Doctor Tran Khac Dien - Department of Examination - Vinmec Times City International Hospital.

“The time of winter and spring is when we need to pay attention to seasonal flu. Although it is a benign flu, it is still necessary to be very vigilant. Because many times, the clinical manifestation of the disease is very simple, but for people with pre-existing medical conditions or the elderly, children or pregnant women, it can cause many serious complications. It is possible that it is an acute respiratory infection that causes pneumonia," noted Doctor II Tran Khac Dien (Department of Medical Examination, Vinmec Times City General Hospital).

Influenza is a highly contagious acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Influenza virus strains have 3 types A, B and C. The common flu strains in humans are influenza A, influenza B and in Vietnam it is called seasonal flu.
This is a virus that changes its antigenic properties, so it can relapse many times. Therefore, the role of annual vaccination 1-2 times is very important.
Influenza A and B strains are spread from person to person through respiratory droplets, droplets or nasopharyngeal secretions when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spreads through contact with certain objects containing the virus. then through the hand to the eyes, nose, mouth.

According to Dr. Tran Khac Dien, the time in winter and spring is the time when we need to pay attention to seasonal flu, especially to prevent the manifestation of malignant flu. Malignant flu can cause lung damage very quickly within 3 to 5 days, even leading to death. Although the manifestations of malignant influenza are similar to those of normal influenza, the virulence of the virus causes multi-organ damage.
Although the rate of people infected with malignant influenza is low, those at high risk are the elderly (diabetes, joint disease, immunocompromised), pregnant women or children.

The incubation period of influenza is very short, only about 1-2 days. After that, clinical symptoms appeared, the first manifestation was systemic symptoms such as mild fever (under 39 degrees Celsius), headache, body aches and pains,... Then, respiratory symptoms appeared. respiratory symptoms such as sore throat, sore throat, dry cough, chest pain, cough with phlegm, clear runny nose with stuffy nose.
Particularly for children, when having the flu, it can be accompanied by high fever, causing convulsions which, if not handled early, will lead to irreversible neurological damage. In addition, children can also suffer from many complications of flu such as otitis media, prolonged diarrhea, ...
Children should be vaccinated against flu before the flu season. After 2-4 weeks of vaccination, the immune response to the disease can be achieved. Because the antigenic structure of influenza is not stable and can change from year to year, vaccination is even more important. If the child has the flu, it should be isolated at home to rest, clean personal hygiene, but not in public places such as school, park,...
In particular, it is necessary to clean the nose and throat. Give your child a mouthwash with salt water. Children need a diet rich in nutrients, vitamins and minerals to improve their resistance.
For uncomplicated influenza patients, self-isolate at home for treatment. Severe flu patients must be isolated in medical facilities to prevent the flu from spreading. It is necessary to comply with regulations on personal hygiene such as wearing a mask, washing hands with soap, and limiting contact with patients with influenza if not necessary.
In addition, for pregnant mothers, Dr. Dien recommends: Women in the second or third trimester of pregnancy (ie from the 4th month onwards) can get the flu vaccine. . If a woman is pregnant in the first 3 months of pregnancy, she should absolutely not get the flu vaccine, because this is a attenuated vaccine.
Places with humid climate are opportunities for influenza viruses to develop, usually in late winter - early spring. Furthermore, special attention should be paid to the spread of avian influenza viruses such as influenza A/H5N1, influenza A/H7N9. Do not use poultry, poultry products of unknown origin. When detecting sick or dead poultry, they must immediately notify the local authorities and veterinary units in the area for timely handling.
Vinmec International General Hospital is currently providing a Package Immunization Program with a variety of vaccines for different audiences, from infants, young children, adults, women before and during pregnant. Particularly in December 2019, Vinmec will give you free newborn Hepatitis B Vaccine (immunization immediately after birth) when you sign up for a Package Immunization Package for children aged 0-1 or 0-2 years old. .