1. Influenza and potential dangerous complications
Influenza is an acute viral respiratory infection characterized by fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, runny nose, sore throat, and cough. The cough is often severe and prolonged. In some cases, gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea may occur, particularly in children.
The influenza virus is classified into three types: A, B, and C.
Influenza is a major public health concern due to its rapid transmission and potential to cause widespread outbreaks. It can manifest at different levels, ranging from pandemics and epidemics to localized outbreaks and sporadic cases.
Globally, seasonal influenza causes significant economic burdens due to hospitalization costs, medical care expenses, and productivity loss caused by missed workdays (4)
According to Dr. Pham Van Phuc, Deputy Director of the Intensive Care Center at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, individuals with underlying health conditions, the elderly, and those with weakened immune systems need to take extra precautions against influenza. The virus can lead to severe complications such as diffuse lung injury, secondary bacterial infections, myocarditis, multi-organ failure, and even death. Many individuals underestimate influenza, dismissing it as a mild illness and delaying medical consultation, which can have serious consequences. (1)
Image: Patients with severe respiratory distress caused by seasonal influenza undergoing mechanical ventilation at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, Bach Mai Hospital (Source: SKĐS).
2. Global influenza situation
The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that each year there are approximately one billion cases of seasonal influenza, with 3-5 million severe cases and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. (1)
In Japan, according to the latest analysis from the Ministry of Health regarding data collected from 5,000 clinics, from December 23 to 29, 317,812 people were diagnosed with influenza, the highest number in history since monitoring began in 1999 (25 years). From September 2, 2024, to January 26, 2025, Japan reported approximately 9.5 million cases of seasonal influenza, primarily caused by influenza A, but the risk of an outbreak of influenza B remains. (2)
According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), seasonal influenza activity remains high and continues to increase nationwide. Most cases in the United States are due to influenza A, primarily the H3N2 and H1N1 strains. (2)
In the United States, influenza activity tends to peak around December to February. However, experts indicate that the 2024-2025 flu season started late and has not yet peaked. (2)
South Korea has recently experienced the largest influenza outbreak since 2016. The number of cases has increased sharply, particularly among adolescents. The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency (KDCA) reported that the flu suspicion rate is 73.9 per 1,000 visits at 300 clinics, marking a sharp increase of 136% compared to 31.3 per 1,000 visits at the end of last year.
(5)
Seasonal influenza is also affecting European countries.
The Public Health Institute of the Czech Republic (SZU) assessed on February 10th that the influenza epidemic in this Central European country with over 10 million people may be at its peak, predominantly involving influenza A and B.
Belgium has recorded the “worst influenza pandemic” since the COVID-19 period, with the rate of people visiting clinics for flu-like symptoms reaching 1,199 per 100,000 population—considered “especially high”.
Romania has reported record levels of respiratory infections and influenza, exceeding 170,000 cases nationwide from January 27 to February 2. Hospitals are struggling with overload as the hospitalization rate due to influenza is 6.6 per 100,000 population. (5)
The national disease surveillance system in Australia reported that in the first week of 2025, the country recorded 1,055 cases of influenza. Health experts in Australia have warned of a potentially severe influenza season in 2025. (5)
PhD. Zara Patel, an ENT specialist at Stanford University School of Medicine (California, USA), stated that colder temperatures hinder the innate immune response of humans. (5)
Weather factors are one of the main reasons explaining why people are more susceptible to influenza during this season, especially after the immune system was severely affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. According to Takayo Shoji, Head of Infectious Diseases at Shizuoka Children’s Hospital (Japan), the increase in seasonal influenza cases may be due to the prolonged COVID-19 pandemic, during which seasonal influenza did not circulate strongly, leading to insufficient antibody production against influenza, particularly in children. Additionally, with international travel returning to normal and mask-wearing recommendations being relaxed, the influenza virus has favorable conditions for widespread transmission. (5)
Strengthening influenza vaccination is the most widely adopted measure for public health protection (5)
Image: Japanese people wearing masks when going out to prevent influenza transmission (Photo: AP)
3. Influenza situation in Vietnam
In 2024, according to statistics from the Ministry of Health, Vietnam recorded 289,876 cases of seasonal influenza, with 8 deaths. The number of infections decreased by 17.9% compared to 2023 (353,108 cases), but the number of deaths increased by 5 cases. (2)
The National Hospital for Tropical Diseases is currently treating 8 severe influenza cases, with one patient requiring ECMO life support.
The National Hospital of Pediatrics has also reported several cases of severe influenza. In the early months of 2025, Hanoi University of Medicine noted a rapid increase in seasonal influenza cases. On average, the Tropical Diseases and Harm Reduction Department of this hospital receives about 10 confirmed influenza A patients for examination each week. The number of patients with influenza in January 2025 was six times higher than in December 2024. (1)
In 2024, there were 4 reported deaths due to H1N1 influenza in Binh Dinh, all involving individuals with severe chronic underlying conditions, with no variants of the virus recorded. Several provinces and cities reported high numbers of influenza cases: Thanh Hoa (46,600 cases), Thai Binh (26,345), Nghe An (17,949), Ha Tinh (14,073), and Son La (10,162). (1)
In Ho Chi Minh City, according to reports from the Center for Disease Control and hospitals specializing in pediatrics, there have been no unusual findings in the reception and treatment of influenza patients. (3)
Image: Treating influenza patients at the 108 Military Central Hospital (SKCĐ)
According to health experts, the current winter-spring period is conducive to the transmission of respiratory pathogens, leading to an increased risk of illnesses such as seasonal influenza, measles, and rashes…(1)
Particularly, the rise in influenza cases in large hospitals may be related to increased movement as well as changes in living conditions during the recent Tet holiday. (1)
PhD.Dr. Vu Quoc Dat, Deputy Head of the Tropical Diseases and Harm Reduction Department at Hanoi University of Medicine, stated that during Tet, people from all over the country gather together, living in closed environments, increasing the likelihood of influenza transmission among family members. (1)
After Tet, when returning to work, people disperse to different locations across various provinces, providing opportunities for influenza transmission in workplaces and increasing the number of cases in the community. (1)
4. Proactive recommendations for influenza prevention in the current situation
- Ensure personal hygiene, cover your mouth when sneezing.
- Wash hands frequently with soap and clean water.
- Rinse the nose and throat daily with saline solution.
- Keep the body warm.
- Maintain a balanced nutrition.
- Get vaccinated against seasonal influenza.
- Avoid contact with sick individuals or those suspected of being ill.
- Use antiviral medications (such as Tamiflu) only with a doctor’s prescription.
- Seek medical attention immediately if experiencing symptoms such as cough, fever, or runny nose
Image: Vaccination (TTXVN)
5. The influenza vaccination is the most effective measure to prevent the risk of serious complications and death (WHO)
FAQs about seasonal influenza vaccination:
Do I need to get the influenza vaccine every year?
Yes. The influenza virus continuously changes, and different strains may circulate each year. Human immunity to influenza also diminishes over time.
The influenza vaccine is updated annually to combat prevalent strains, providing the highest possible immunity. (6)
Is the influenza vaccine safe?
Yes. The influenza vaccine has been used for over 50 years, administered to millions of people, and has a good safety record. National drug regulatory agencies carefully examine each type of influenza vaccine before approval and maintain systems to monitor side effects. (6)
Do I need to get the influenza vaccine if I recently had influenza?
Yes, you should still get the influenza vaccine even if you recently had influenza. You can be infected with influenza multiple times in one season due to the presence of various circulating strains. (6)
Is it safe to receive the influenza vaccine during pregnancy?
Yes. Receiving the influenza vaccine during pregnancy is safe. Pregnant individuals are at higher risk of severe illness. The influenza vaccine can protect you and your baby through antibodies passed during breastfeeding. (6)
NAVIVA GROUP takes pride in being a premier and trusted distributor of influenza vaccines:
– Influvac Tetra – Abbott – Netherlands: Contains 4 strains of influenza (2 strains of H1N1, H3N2, and 2 strains of B).
– IVACFLUS – Institute of Vaccines and Medical Biologicals (IVAC) – Vietnam: Contains 3 strains of influenza (2 strains of H1N1, H3N2, and 1 strain of B).
The antigen components of the influenza virus strains are recommended annually by the WHO for the flu season.
Both vaccines are suitable to meet the current influenza vaccination needs in Vietnam and worldwide
For specific information, please contact:
- Nam Hung Viet Vaccine and Biological Products Joint Stock Company:
Address: No. 44, Street No. 12, Him Lam New Urban Area, Tan Hung Ward, District 7, Ho Chi Minh City.
Phone: 028 6266 1234 (5 lines).
- Tuong Khue Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company:
Address: No. 33 Le Lai, Hai Chau District, Da Nang City.
Phone: 0236 3538 666 (4 lines).
- WINBIO Joint Stock Company:
Address: K7TT1 – SH19, Starlake Urban Area, Xuan La Ward, Tay Ho District, Hanoi Capital.
Phone: 024 3795 6789 (3 lines).
NAVIVA GROUP
“Community health is our happiness”
Sources:
(2) HCDC https://hcdc.vn/tphcm-khong-hoang-mang-nhung-khong-chu-quan-voi-benh-cum-mua-vKHV9o.html
(3) Công văn số 1218/SYT-NVY ngày 07 tháng 02 năm 2025 của Sở Y tế Hồ Chí Minh về việc tăng cường công tác phòng, chống dịch cúm mùa.
(4) https://vncdc.gov.vn/benh-cum-nd14502.html
(5)https://baotintuc.vn/phan-tichnhan-dinh/chu-dong-vuot-qua-mua-cum-20250212095544901.htm
(6) https://www.hcdc.vn/hoi-dap-ve-vac-xin-cum-mua-z3cG2b.html
Compiled and summarized by:
Dr. Le Thi Hai Yen, Head of Training & Quality Management, NAVIVA GROUP.
