In response to the emergence of A/H1pdm flu cases in Binh Dinh - the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health) said that this flu virus was first discovered during the 2009 flu pandemic, so it is called pandemic (pdm).
On November 25, the Binh Dinh Department of Health sent an urgent dispatch to hospitals, medical centers, and clinics about strengthening the prevention and control of influenza A/H1pdm. According to statistics, by November 20, 2024, Binh Dinh province recorded 842 cases of influenza. Monitoring 22 cases of severe pneumonia suspected to be caused by the virus, 9 cases were found to be positive for influenza A/H1pdm (Quy Nhon City 4 cases, Phu My District 3 cases, An Nhon Town and Vinh Thanh District 1 case). Of which, 4 deaths were recorded.
According to the announcement from the Department of Preventive Medicine, seasonal flu caused by influenza A(H1N1) strain (also known as swine flu) is an acute infectious disease spread through sneezing, coughing and direct contact with objects contaminated with the virus, which then infects the nose and throat. In addition to influenza A(H1N1) virus strain, other major influenza virus strains that cause seasonal flu include A(H3N2), influenza B and influenza C.
According to WHO estimates, there are about 1 billion cases of the disease each year, including 3-5 million severe cases, with about 290,000 to 650,000 deaths.
In Vietnam, there are still 600,000 - 1 million cases of seasonal flu recorded every year, with cases recorded year-round. The key surveillance system for acute viral pneumonia in Vietnam still records cases with about 10% of influenza patient samples testing positive for the A(H1N1) strain.
Seasonal flu is usually mild, but can also have more serious and dangerous complications in people with chronic cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, people with immunodeficiency, the elderly, children and pregnant women; the disease can cause severe pneumonia, multiple organ failure leading to death.
Most recently, Binh Dinh has also recorded a death from influenza A(H1N1) virus infection in a patient with many underlying diseases in the province. Currently, it is the time of changing seasons, favorable for the development of respiratory pathogens, especially seasonal flu. To proactively prevent seasonal flu, the Department of Preventive Medicine recommends that people do well:
Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a tissue or handkerchief or disposable tissue or your sleeve to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions.
Wear a mask in crowded places and on public transport; wash your hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer (especially after coughing or sneezing). Do not spit in public places.
Avoid unnecessary contact with people with the flu or suspected cases. Get a seasonal flu vaccine to prevent the disease...
