Medlatec Healthcare System has just recorded 3 cases of influenza A infection, 3 sisters in the same family. 3 children came to the clinic with symptoms of high fever, not responding to antipyretics, dry cough, left chest pain, and nasal discharge. The symptoms appeared suddenly, with an acute progression.
Rapid influenza tests were positive for influenza A in all three children. Two girls were in more serious condition and were hospitalized due to complications of pneumonia, with elevated inflammatory markers, including increased white blood cells (WBC) and high CRP. CT scans of the lungs showed pneumonia lesions.
As for the boy, due to milder symptoms, he was prescribed medication and monitored at home under the doctor's instructions.
The two hospitalized children were treated intensively according to the protocol, including antibiotics, antipyretics, respiratory support care and close monitoring of pneumonia. After 7 days of inpatient treatment, the children's health condition was stable. Post-treatment CT scans of the lungs showed no lesions, respiratory function improved well, and health was almost completely recovered.
According to MSc. Dr. Tran Thi Kim Ngoc - Pediatrics, Medlatec Clinic No. 2, influenza A is the most common type of seasonal flu, accounting for 75% of flu cases in humans. Common strains of influenza A virus include: H1N1, H3N2, H5N1, H7N9, of which H5N1 and H7N9 appear in poultry but are capable of transmitting to humans, leading to the risk of a pandemic.
Influenza A virus can be transmitted from infected birds to humans through close contact, however, it is more common to spread from person to person through the respiratory tract. When talking, sneezing or coughing, the virus in the body will spread out through the salivary glands with a range of up to 2m. Healthy people who come into close contact or talk directly with sick people will be at risk of infection.
In addition, influenza A viruses also exist on surfaces such as doorknobs, clothes, phones, dishes and everyday items. The habit of covering your mouth when coughing or sneezing also increases the risk of infection. Influenza viruses can survive on these surfaces for up to 48 hours, facilitating community spread.
People with influenza A will have some typical symptoms such as: high fever, prolonged fever, sore throat, pharyngitis, frequent and prolonged cough, chills, difficulty breathing, fatigue, watery eyes when going out in the light. Infected children are very susceptible to vomiting or diarrhea.
Dr. Ngoc warned that most patients with influenza A can recover within 2-7 days. However, those in high-risk groups (children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with underlying medical conditions) are at risk of complications such as: severe pneumonia, otitis media, sinusitis, urinary tract infections, cerebral edema, liver damage, and even miscarriage.
If a pregnant woman gets the flu in the first 3 months of pregnancy, it can cause fetal malformations such as cleft lip or heart valve disease. In some serious cases, the disease can progress to severe symptoms such as high fever, difficulty breathing, multiple organ failure and even death if not treated promptly.
One of the most important things when dealing with an influenza epidemic is a quick and timely diagnosis. When acute symptoms of suspected influenza appear, the patient should go to a medical facility for examination, diagnosis and appropriate treatment. At the same time, it is necessary to closely monitor clinical developments to detect early and promptly handle dangerous complications caused by influenza.
