The majority of cases are concentrated in Điện Biên District, Mường Chà District, Điện Biên Phủ City, and Mường Nhé District, with scattered cases in other localities. On February 9, a flu outbreak was detected at the provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities, with 27 confirmed cases. While this is a common seasonal occurrence, health authorities emphasize that the public should remain vigilant in prevention and treatment.

Increase in flu cases

Recently, the Điện Biên Phủ City’s Medical Center identified a flu outbreak at the provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities. Since February 5, several students exhibited flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, coughing, sneezing, runny nose, and sore throat. The school promptly reported the cases to the Tân Thanh Ward’s Health Clinic and the Điện Biên Phủ City’s Medical Center for monitoring and investigation. Within three days, the number of affected students rose to 27. All suspected flu cases have been placed under medical supervision, and no severe complications have been reported. Laboratory tests on seven samples confirmed the presence of seasonal flu (A/H3pdm).

Dr. Phạm Đức Tài, Head of the Infectious Disease Prevention Department at the provincial Center for Disease Control, stated that flu cases at the provincial Boarding School for Ethnic Minorities are being closely monitored, with affected students receiving treatment and isolation. The school has implemented environmental sanitation measures, disinfecting classrooms and dormitories while increasing awareness campaigns on flu prevention. Additional surveillance efforts are underway to detect new cases and implement timely intervention measures.

The Infectious Diseases Division of the Điện Biên Phủ City’s Medical Center has admitted and treated nine flu cases from the outbreak at the boarding school. Patients exhibited typical flu symptoms such as fever, coughing, respiratory inflammation, and bronchitis.

Dr. Quàng Thị Vân, Head of the Infectious Diseases Division, reported that patients were admitted with high fever, persistent coughing, severe nasal discharge, fatigue, and poor appetite. After five days of treatment, health condition of the affected students stabilized, and six out of nine cases have been discharged.

At the provincial General Hospital, the number of patients seeking medical attention for flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, fever, cough, and sore throat, has significantly increased in recent days. Patients of all age groups are being examined and tested for flu, with confirmed cases transferred to the hospital’s Tropical Diseases Faculty for treatment.

Dr. Hoàng Thị Hồng Thơm from the hospital’s Tropical Diseases Faculty noted that over the past week, the number of flu patients seeking treatment has risen sharply. While seasonal flu is generally mild and resolves within 2-7 days, it can cause severe complications in children, the elderly, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Without timely treatment, these cases can lead to critical conditions and even death. Therefore, people should not underestimate the risks of seasonal flu and must take necessary precautions.

Proactive prevention measures

Given the increasing flu cases and favorable weather conditions for respiratory virus transmission, the provincial Department of Health has instructed the provincial Center for Disease Control to intensify surveillance and flu prevention efforts. Healthcare facilities across the province are ensuring an adequate supply of medicine, disinfectants, medical supplies, and equipment for diagnosis and treatment. Close monitoring of suspected flu cases and severe viral pneumonia cases is being conducted, with immediate reporting of new cases. Simultaneously, public awareness campaigns are being reinforced to encourage proactive disease prevention.

Following reports of severe flu complications and widespread outbreaks in countries such as Japan and the Republic of Korea, as well as an increase in severe flu cases requiring ventilator support in Vietnam, the public’s awareness of flu prevention has noticeably improved. Many people are taking preventive measures, including flu vaccination, wearing masks in public places, and avoiding crowded areas.

Taking advantage of a day off, Mrs. Nguyễn Thị Nhàn’s family from Pom Lót Commune, Điện Biên District, visited the Nam Thanh Vaccination Center for flu shots. She shared, “Hearing that flu cases are rising, I decided to take my children and grandchildren for flu vaccinations. I also wear a mask in crowded places to reduce the risk of infection. After getting vaccinated, I feel more at ease, knowing that my family is protected from different flu strains.”

The cold, dry, and humid winter-spring climate in northern Vietnam creates ideal conditions for respiratory virus transmission, including seasonal flu. Many people tend to dismiss flu as a mild illness and delay seeking medical attention. However, for individuals with underlying conditions, flu can lead to severe complications. Late hospital admissions may result in multi-organ failure, making treatment extremely challenging.

To effectively prevent seasonal flu, Dr. Phạm Đức Tài emphasized that annual flu vaccination is the best method for preventing infections and reducing the risk of severe complications.

According to the doctor, in addition to vaccination, individuals should keep warm, maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands before and after meals, rinse the nose and throat with saline solution, and follow proper respiratory hygiene practices. Regular exercise, a healthy lifestyle, and avoiding contact with flu-infected individuals are also essential. Wearing masks in crowded places is recommended. Most importantly, anyone experiencing flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, runny nose, headache, and fatigue, should seek medical attention immediately rather than self-medicating with over-the-counter antiviral drugs like Tamiflu without a doctor’s prescription.