Proactively prevent seasonal flu to protect public health

Every year, during the changing seasons or cold, wet months, seasonal flu increases and breaks out in many localities. This is a common infectious disease, transmitted through the respiratory tract and can cause dangerous complications in young children, the elderly, pregnant women or people with chronic diseases. Actively preventing and fighting seasonal flu is an important measure, both protecting personal health and contributing to reducing the burden on the health sector and society.

Seasonal flu - a common disease but not to be taken lightly

Seasonal flu is caused by influenza A and B viruses, which can spread rapidly through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or has close contact. Common symptoms include fever, cough, runny nose, sore throat, headache, fatigue, muscle aches, etc. In many cases, the disease is mild and recovery can occur after 5–7 days. However, in high-risk groups, flu can cause complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even death.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), every year there are hundreds of millions of cases of flu worldwide, of which millions of people are hospitalized and hundreds of thousands die. In Vietnam, seasonal flu occurs year-round but often increases sharply from September to April of the following year. Recently, many cases of influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2 and influenza B have been recorded sporadically in provinces and cities, posing an urgent need for prevention work.

Many people still have a subjective mentality, considering the flu as just a common cold. In fact, seasonal flu has the potential to cause a large epidemic if not well controlled. When sick people do not rest, still go to school, work, go to the market or participate in crowded places, the risk of spreading in the community will be very high.

In addition, the habit of buying and using antibiotics without a doctor's prescription can cause side effects, worsen the disease and lead to drug resistance. In particular, many cases do not promptly detect complications such as pneumonia, bronchitis, etc., making treatment difficult.

Measures to prevent seasonal flu

To limit seasonal flu, the health sector recommends that each person needs to implement many synchronous solutions:

Flu vaccination: This is the most effective and safest measure, helping to reduce the risk of disease as well as limit serious complications. Flu vaccination needs to be repeated every year because the flu virus is constantly changing. Priority groups include: children from 6 months to 5 years old, people over 65 years old, pregnant women, health workers and people with chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes, asthma.

Practice personal hygiene: Wash your hands frequently with soap or hand sanitizer; cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing; avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. These are simple but effective habits in preventing the spread of flu viruses.

Keep your living environment clean: Open windows and ventilate your home and workplace, clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs, tables, chairs, and telephones. Avoid crowded places when you have flu symptoms.

Nutrition care and exercise: Eat a balanced diet, supplement with green vegetables and fruits rich in vitamin C, and maintain physical exercise to help improve resistance and reduce the risk of infection.

Monitor your health and get proper treatment: When you have flu symptoms, you need to rest, drink enough water, eat healthy and take medication as directed by your doctor. If you have a persistent high fever, difficulty breathing, chest pain or the condition does not improve after 3-5 days, you need to go to a medical facility immediately for examination.

Seasonal flu prevention and control is not only the responsibility of the health sector but also requires the cooperation of the whole society. Each family and each individual should be a “shield” to prevent the spread. Schools need to increase propaganda for students and encourage them to stay home when showing signs of illness. Agencies and businesses need to pay attention to protecting the health of employees, especially in crowded environments.

Preventing and fighting seasonal flu is not too complicated, but requires perseverance and awareness from each citizen. Small actions such as washing hands, wearing a mask when coughing, or taking children to get vaccinated on schedule can contribute to protecting the whole community.

Source: https://soyte.camau.gov.vn/bai-khoa-hoc-chinh-tri-va-xa-hoi/chu-dong-phong-chong-cum-mua-de-bao-ve-suc-khoe-cong-dong-288822