Why is H1N1 the seasonal flu still causing many deaths?

Unlike other common, H1N1 is capable of attacking deep into lung cells, causing pneumonia, even death.

According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, the Ministry of Health, seasonal flu usually attacks only cells in the upper part of the respiratory system, Influenza A / H1N1 is capable of attacking deep into lung cells, so it is more dangerous.

Current strains of circulating flu in the world and Vietnam mainly include influenza A / H1N1, influenza A / H3N2 and influenza B. Data of the national influenza surveillance system recorded in the previous years and the first months In 2018, influenza A / H1N1 accounted for about 20-50% of the seasonal flu strains circulating in Vietnam.

Influenza A / H1N1 is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza A / H1N1 virus. The disease is highly infectious and spreads rapidly in the community.

Patients with influenza A / H1N1 treatment in isolation at Tu Du Hospital (HCMC) in early June (Photo: Le Phuong).

People with influenza A / H1N1 have similar clinical manifestations when suffering from other seasonal flu strains, such as high fever, runny nose, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, cough, sore throat. H1N1 is transmitted through the respiratory tract, healthy people can get sick directly when inhaling drops of nose and saliva when the sick person sneezes, coughs. The disease spreads indirectly through the hands when handling items with infected nose, saliva of patients such as bed walls, door handles, phones . or by sharing equipment with patients such as cups, bowls, brass pots.

The disease can only be diagnosed by taking a nasal nasal fluid for testing. Patients usually recover after a week of normal treatment. People with seasonal flu can have serious changes such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, even death if the resistance is poor, with chronic diseases such as kidney failure, diabetes, the elderly, children, women pregnant.

Dr. Le Hong Nga, Head of Infectious Diseases Control Department, Ho Chi Minh City Preventive Medicine Center recommends that people should get the influenza vaccine every year, especially high-risk groups such as children under 5 years old, people older than 65 years, pregnant women, people with chronic lung disease, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, immunodeficiency, chronic renal failure .

Note to prevent cross-infection at medical examination and treatment facilities. Family members, sick people need to wear medical masks and keep a distance of more than one meter if they have to contact the sick person. Enhance personal hygiene, regularly wash your hands with soap. Cover your mouth and nose when coughing, sneezing with your sleeve, or use a tissue and then put it in the trash. If you cover it by hand, wash your hands immediately after coughing or sneezing to avoid infecting other objects.

Cleaning and opening the door coolly, classrooms, working rooms. Clean surfaces and objects with common antiseptic chemicals. People should monitor their health on a daily basis, if there are signs of fever, cough, sore throat . then notify schools, agencies, unions and local health facilities. If the flu is determined, it is necessary to isolate and wear a mask.

People with chronic diseases, pregnant women, the elderly and children should avoid contact with people who are suspected of being infected. Do not arbitrarily use drugs, especially antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu that must follow the physician's instructions.