Seasonal flu increases globally
According to estimates by the World Health Organization (WHO), the world records about 1 billion cases of seasonal flu each year, including from 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. Data on the 2025-2026 flu season shows that flu virus activity is increasing in many regions, with influenza A(H3N2) dominating Northern Europe, Central Asia, South Asia and Southeast Asia.
In addition to seasonal flu, respiratory viral syncytiosis (RSV) continues to be one of the leading causes of acute respiratory tract inflammation in children and can cause serious complications in the elderly. It is estimated that each year, there are about 3.6 million children under 5 years old hospitalized for RSV, of which about 100,000 deaths.
influenza and respiratory diseases in Vietnam
In Vietnam, an average of 300,000500,000 cases of acute respiratory infections are recorded each year. In 2025 alone, the number of cases decreased in the middle months of the year but increased again in the past three months, with about 8,50011,000 cases per month.
Since the beginning of 2025, the country has recorded more than 132,000 cases of seasonal flu, including 3 deaths. Compared to the same period in 2024 (more than 267,000 cases and 6 deaths), the number of cases decreased by 54.8% and the number of deaths decreased by 3 cases. The mainstream influenza virus strains are still influenza A(H1N1), influenza A(H3N2) and influenza B; so far, no changes in the docess of the virus have been recorded.
The epidemiological monitoring system also recorded a local increase in seasonal flu cases, diseases caused by RSV virus and hand, foot and mouth disease in some localities. Many cases have to be hospitalized for treatment at end-of-line hospitals, especially in the Northern region such as the National Children's Hospital and the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases.
According to medical experts, the weather is currently in the transitional season, with fluctuating temperatures and humidity creating favorable conditions for respiratory pathogens to develop and spread. In addition, at the end of the year, there are often many exchange activities, travel and large-scale events such as conferences, year-end events, weddings, etc., increasing the risk of infection from the community to households, especially children and the elderly - high-risk groups.
The Infectious Disease Monitoring System has recorded a local increase in cases of seasonal flu, RSV virus disease and hand, foot and mouth disease in some localities.
Regarding Hong Kong flu, experts warn that the influenza A(H3N2) virus (Hong Kong flu) and avian influenza A(H5N1) are showing signs of rising, posing a potential risk of a pandemic if they overcome the barriers to infection between species.
In Russia, although influenza A(H3N2) is dominating during the epidemic season, about 99.5% of cases are only mild to moderate, with low hospitalization rates. Experts recommend that people comply with epidemic sanitation measures, be fully vaccinated and protect high-risk groups such as the elderly, children, pregnant women and people with chronic diseases.
To proactively prevent and control acute respiratory infections, the Vietnamese Ministry of Health recommends that people strictly implement disease prevention measures such as regularly washing their hands with soap, covering their mouths when coughing or sneezing, not putting their hands on their eyes, nose, or mouth without washing them; wearing masks when going to crowded places, on public transport or when there are signs of suspected illness.
People need to limit unnecessary contact with people with or suspected of having the disease; maintain environmental hygiene, regularly clean contact surfaces such as door handles, keyboards, phones. At the same time, it is necessary to ensure an open living, studying and working space, welcoming natural light to reduce the risk of spreading pathogens.
In addition, improving your physical condition through a healthy lifestyle, balanced nutrition and increased physical activity also play an important role in disease prevention. When symptoms such as cough, fever, runny nose, headache, fatigue appear, people need to contact a medical facility soon for timely advice, examination and treatment, and not arbitrarily buy and use drugs, especially antiseptic drugs, without a prescription from medical staff.
