Seasonal influenza tends to spread widely and cause outbreaks during winter. It is highly contagious and can spread through the respiratory tract via small droplets of saliva or nasal and throat secretions released when an infected person sneezes. Below are the warning signs of seasonal influenza and ways to prevent infection.

I. WARNING SIGNS OF SEASONAL INFLUENZA

Influenza symptoms can range from mild to severe and may lead to death. Unlike the common cold, influenza usually begins suddenly. People with influenza may experience some or all of the following symptoms: fever or feeling feverish, chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle aches, headache, and fatigue. Children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea.

II. PREVENTING INFLUENZA TRANSMISSION

1. General Preventive Measures

• Wear a mask when in contact with people suspected of having influenza.

• Wash hands frequently.

• Practice respiratory hygiene when coughing or spitting.

• Avoid crowded places during influenza outbreaks.

2. Preventing Transmission from Infected Patients

• Isolate infected patients in separate rooms.

• Patients must wear masks during treatment.

• Regularly clean and disinfect patient rooms, clothing, and equipment used by patients.

3. Preventive Measures for Healthcare Workers

• Perform routine hand hygiene with soap or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer before and after examining patients.

• Personal protective equipment, including masks, gloves, caps, shoe covers or boots, and face shields, must always be available in isolation areas. It must be used correctly and whenever necessary. After use, it must be handled in accordance with regulations.

• Monitoring: Maintain a list of healthcare workers directly involved in patient care and treatment, staff working in departments with infected patients, and laboratory personnel handling specimens. These individuals should have their body temperature and clinical symptoms monitored daily.

• Pregnant healthcare workers and those with chronic cardiopulmonary diseases should avoid contact with infected patients.

4. Influenza Vaccination

• Annual influenza vaccination is an effective way to proactively protect your health. People can visit the Vaccination Clinic at Hoàn Hảo General Hospital for consultation and vaccination.

• The following groups are at increased risk of influenza infection and should receive influenza vaccination:

  • Healthcare workers

  • Children aged 6 months to 8 years

  • People with chronic conditions (chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, heart failure, diabetes, immunodeficiency, etc.)

  • People aged over 65

Reference: Ministry of Health