The autumn-to-winter transitional period, with its fluctuating weather and high humidity, creates favorable conditions for a rise in respiratory and digestive illnesses. Along with this, travel, large gatherings, and the many activities held at year's end noticeably increase the risk of disease transmission within the community.
Implementing the directive under Official Dispatch No. 1648/PB-BTN dated November 14, 2025, from the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health), HIU Hospital is tightening its prevention and control measures against diseases showing a strong upward trend, including seasonal flu.
Seasonal flu is a respiratory infection caused by the influenza virus, spreading rapidly through the respiratory route via coughing, sneezing, close conversation, or contact with virus-contaminated surfaces. Most cases can recover on their own; however, one should not be complacent, especially within high-risk groups.
According to records in Vietnam from the beginning of 2025 to now, there have been 132,000 seasonal flu cases, including 3 deaths. The currently circulating influenza virus strains are mainly A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and influenza B.
Recommendations from the Ministry of Health
To proactively prevent and control acute respiratory infections, the Ministry of Health recommends that people should:
Maintain proper personal hygiene: Wash hands regularly with soap or antiseptic solution, especially after coughing, sneezing, coming home from outside, or before eating. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, and avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth with unwashed hands.
Wear a mask when necessary: Use a mask in crowded places, on public transportation, or when experiencing symptoms suggestive of illness, to limit transmission to those around you.
Avoid close contact with people showing respiratory infection symptoms.
Keep the living environment clean and well-ventilated: Regularly clean frequently touched surfaces such as door handles, keyboards, and phones. Open windows to let in natural light and air in classrooms and workplaces, especially after meetings or crowded events.
Boost resistance from within: Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating a nutritious diet, getting enough sleep, and exercising regularly help keep the body strong and improve its ability to fight off illness.
If symptoms such as fever, cough, runny nose, headache, or fatigue appear, people should proactively contact a medical facility for timely consultation and examination.
Note: Do not self-purchase medication, especially antiviral drugs, for home treatment without guidance from medical staff.
Flu Vaccine
Given the rising risk of seasonal flu during the seasonal transition and year-end period, flu vaccination is one of the effective solutions to reduce the risk of infection. HIU Hospital has now introduced the Influvac Tetra 0.5ml flu vaccine, which:
Is indicated for the prevention of seasonal flu caused by influenza viruses of two A strains (H1N1, H3N2) and two B strains (Yamagata, Victoria).
Is intended for children aged 6 months and older, as well as adults.
Is administered via intramuscular or deep subcutaneous injection.
Should be stored at a temperature of 2–8°C, protected from light, and never frozen.
Contraindications:
Individuals hypersensitive to the active ingredients, to any excipient, or to any component that may be present in very small amounts, such as egg (ovalbumin, chicken protein), formaldehyde, cetyltrimethylammonium bromide, polysorbate 80, or gentamicin.
Patients/children with fever or acute infection symptoms must postpone vaccination.