Seasonal influenza can be severe in the elderly, young children, and pregnant women.

According to the Department of Disease Prevention, seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus. The disease is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract, via respiratory droplets or contact with surfaces contaminated with the virus.

The disease occurs year-round but tends to peak during transitional seasons, especially when the weather alternates erratically between hot and cold spells. According to the Department of Disease Control, in recent weeks, the number of seasonal influenza cases has shown a slight increase. However, no unusual increase in severe cases or deaths due to influenza has been recorded.

Most people with the flu experience mild symptoms and recover on their own. However, the disease can become severe and cause complications, especially in the elderly, young children, pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions or weakened immune systems.

To proactively protect the health of yourself, your family, and the community, the Department of Disease Prevention recommends that people wear masks correctly when visiting medical facilities, on public transport, in crowded places, or in enclosed spaces with poor ventilation. People with respiratory symptoms should wear masks when in contact with others.

People should cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing with a disposable tissue or their elbow; dispose of used tissues properly and wash their hands immediately afterward. They should also wash their hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer, and avoid touching their eyes, nose, and mouth.

The Department of Disease Prevention also recommends maintaining personal hygiene; regularly cleaning frequently touched surfaces; ensuring good ventilation in homes, workplaces, and classrooms; and increasing ventilation in enclosed spaces.

People should limit close contact with those who have or are suspected of having respiratory illnesses. Those with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, and runny nose should limit contact with others, rest, and monitor their health.

In addition, it is necessary to maintain a healthy lifestyle, eat a balanced diet, exercise appropriately, and get enough sleep. People with underlying conditions need to adhere to their treatment and manage their conditions well.

The Department of Disease Prevention advises people not to self-medicate with antiviral drugs or antibiotics without a prescription from a healthcare professional.

According to the Department of Disease Prevention, groups at risk of developing severe symptoms from influenza include people over 65 years old; children under 5 years old; pregnant women, especially in the last three months of pregnancy, or women who have given birth within the last two weeks; people with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular disease, chronic lung disease, kidney failure, cirrhosis, diabetes; and people with weakened immune systems.

Individuals in the above-mentioned risk groups or those showing signs of worsening illness should contact or visit a healthcare facility for timely advice, examination, and treatment.

The Department of Disease Prevention, Ministry of Health, stated that it will continue to closely coordinate with relevant units to closely monitor the developments of seasonal influenza; update information promptly; provide professional guidance and implement appropriate prevention and control measures.

During September and the first nine months of 2026, the Ministry of Health continued to monitor the situation regarding several infectious diseases and food poisoning incidents, recording the number of cases and deaths across various disease groups.

Source: https://thanhtra.com.vn/y-te-8CCF74D5E/cum-mua-co-the-dien-bien-nang-o-nguoi-cao-tuoi-tre-nho-phu-nu-mang-thai-98015964c.html