HCMC advises mask use in medical facilities amid flu outbreak

According to the department, approximately 2,900 flu cases were reported in the city last year, including 11 severe cases, and 20 patients are currently undergoing treatment in hospitals.

Officials noted that favorable weather conditions may be contributing to the spread of respiratory illnesses. In response, the medical sector is closely monitoring conditions at medical facilities and has increased flu prevention measures. All individuals entering these facilities are now required to wear masks. The HCMC Center for Disease Control will also continue to monitor flu cases and instances of severe viral pneumonia.

In related reports by Vietnam's Ministry of Health, Japan’s National Institute of Infectious Diseases recorded about 9.5 million cases of seasonal flu from Sept. 2 of last year to Jan. 26 of this year, with over 317,000 cases reported during the last week of 2024.

The Ministry of Health has also reported an usual increase in flu cases at the end of 2024 and during the Tet holiday, primarily attributed to A/H3N2, A/H1N1, and B viruses. Vietnam has recorded over 900 flu cases since the beginning of this year, a 97% drop compared to the same period last year.