Respiratory diseases increase when the weather turns cold

SGGP 11/26/2023 07:16

In recent days, the weather in Ho Chi Minh City has suddenly turned cold, the number of children coming to the hospital for respiratory diseases has increased. Among them, the most common diseases are acute respiratory infections and bronchiolitis.

According to statistics at pediatric hospitals in the city, the number of children coming for examination has been increasing continuously in recent days. Dr. Tran Anh Tuan, Head of the Respiratory Department of Children's Hospital 1, said that children treated at the department mainly had respiratory infections, many of whom had severe respiratory infections, especially pneumonia and bronchiolitis. Most parents brought their children to the hospital in time and children from other provinces accounted for 60% of the total number of cases. At the City Children's Hospital, Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien, Deputy Director of the hospital, said that the number of cases coming for examination for respiratory diseases had increased compared to the same period last year, but not too much. About 7% of children had serious conditions and had to be hospitalized for treatment.

Respiratory patients are being treated at Children's Hospital 2

According to statistics from the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health , in the first 10 months of the year, the city recorded 238,000 cases of respiratory illness. In October alone, the number of cases increased dramatically by more than 35,300 cases. Since the beginning of November, the number of respiratory illnesses in children has continued to increase. The results of the analysis of the causes of the recent increase in cases show that viruses are still the main cause of acute respiratory infections, along with the changing weather leading to this phenomenon.

To prevent respiratory infections in children in particular and the community in general, the Department of Health recommends that people wash their hands regularly with soap and water for adults and children and always cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing. In addition to full vaccination according to the expanded immunization schedule, it is recommended to get influenza and pneumococcal vaccines if eligible.

Children with underlying medical conditions need to be monitored and treated to minimize the risk of the disease becoming severe. Pregnant women, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions need to get an annual flu vaccine. In addition, people with respiratory symptoms should wear masks and limit contact with others. Keep your body warm, maintain a balanced diet, appropriate nutrition for your age, and keep your home clean and airy.