What is the A/H1pdm influenza strain?

Seasonal influenza caused by the A/H1N1 strain is an acute infectious disease that often develops more dangerously in people with chronic diseases.

Regarding the A/H1pdm flu strain, a representative of the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health) said that this is a common seasonal flu strain. This flu virus was first discovered during the 2009 flu pandemic, so it is called pandemic (pdm).

Treatment of patients infected with influenza A/H1N1 at a medical facility. (Illustration photo)

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, seasonal flu caused by the 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 spreads through the nose and throat. In addition to the A/H1N1 strain, other major strains of influenza virus that cause seasonal flu include A/H3N2, influenza B and influenza C.

Seasonal influenza circulates worldwide, with WHO estimating that there are about 1 billion cases of illness each year, including 3-5 million severe cases, with about 290,000 to 650,000 deaths.

In Vietnam, there are still 600,000 - 1,000,000 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.

To proactively prevent seasonal flu, people should do the following:

1. 1. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, preferably with a cloth or handkerchief or disposable tissue or your sleeve to reduce the spread of respiratory secretions.
2. 2. Wear a mask in crowded places and on public transport; wash your hands regularly with soap and clean water or hand sanitizer (especially after coughing or sneezing). Do not spit in public places.
3. 3. Limit contact with people with flu or suspected cases when not necessary.
4. 4. Get vaccinated against seasonal flu.
5. 5. Practice a healthy lifestyle; eat nutritious foods to prevent influenza virus infection; increase physical activity and improve health.
6. 6. When you have symptoms of cough, fever, runny nose, headache, fatigue, do not arbitrarily test or buy medicine for treatment at home, but contact a medical facility for timely advice, examination and treatment.

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