Doctors warn of severe flu complications amid surge in child hospitalisations

Infectious respiratory diseases are on the rise this winter–spring season, heightening the risk of illnesses like seasonal flu. Hanoi Children’s Hospital has reported a sharp increase in cases caused by flu strains including A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and influenza B.

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The hospital receives about 200-300 children with flu in October, with 80-100 cases hospitalized, but cases surge to about 1,500 cases in November with 400-500 diagnosed with flu strains, says Dr. Nguyen Tri Dung of the Infectious Diseases Department.

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This woman travels from Hung Yen province to Hanoi at night as her three-year-old child gets high fever and tests positive for influenza B with symptom of marked fatigue.

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Coming from Phu Tho province, this couple have been caring for their three-month-old daughter, who has been hospitalized for a week with high fever, convulsions, and diarrhea, and has tested positive for influenza A.

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Dr. Dung shares that the Infectious Diseases Department receives about 30–35 inpatients daily, many with severe influenza A or B infections, including pneumonia. Children are under two are the most vulnerable and typically admitted on the third or fourth day when they develop breathing difficulties and other respiratory complications.

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The professional says the hospital has treated a severe pediatric case of influenza-related encephalitis, which can have a mortality rate of up to 50%.

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He warns that incorrect home treatments can lead to severe conditions in children, including pneumonia.

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As flu cases surge in Hanoi, the expert also warns parents against the misuse of Tamiflu, emphasising that it should only be used under medical supervision.

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Despite the surge in infection cases, Hanoi Children's Hospital says it is ready to treat about 80-100 patients per day.

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Children are advised to keep warm, avoid crowded places, wear masks, wash hands regularly, ensure proper nutrition and adequate sleep during the seasonal transition. Full vaccination is also important to reduce the risk of infection and severe disease, doctors say.