The weather in spring is characterized by high humidity and favorable temperature for viruses, especially influenza viruses. This is also the stage of the "seasonal" flu. Therefore, parents need to pay attention to how to take care of children at home, when children are absent from school, prepare children for a healthy immune system against diseases, prepare for the coming back-to-school period.

Influenza is a wily virus—it's almost impossible to predict where and how it will strike as it circumnavigates the globe. There are, however, some patterns that routinely occur, allowing investigators and public health agencies to sometimes anticipate what lies ahead. Seasonal flu is an acute infectious disease, spread by respiratory symptoms such as: fever, headache, muscle aches, fatigue, sneezing, runny nose, sore throat and cough. Current pathogens in our country are mainly caused by influenza A and B strains. The disease is highly contagious, via the respiratory tract, through saliva droplets, or from nose and throat secretions caused by sneezing, cough, cough.

Typically, the disease is mild and recover within 2-7 days, but for children, the elderly, people with chronic diseases of the heart, lungs, kidneys, metabolic disease, anemia or immunodeficiency ... , the disease can progress to more severe pneumonia, complications that can lead to death.

Caring for kids when they have seasonal flu

How to take care of children when they have seasonal flu?

Parents should be aware when children have the flu

Antipyretic for children

Expand clothes for children. Apply warm compresses to the forehead, armpits and groin. (The temperature of the water pack is determined by dipping an adult's elbow into a tub of water, if it feels warm to the touch.)

Give your child fever-reducing medicines as directed by the doctor. Do not be impatient but give children overdose or shorten their drinking time. Preferably between 4 to 6 hours.

Respiratory hygiene Practice 

Use physiological saline for children to spray / spray children daily 2-3 times in areas such as eyes, nose, mouth. Wipe dry and clean with a clean paper towel. With the milk curtain for children after cleaning should be cleaned to avoid reuse.

Clean your hands often with soap and clean water. When going out, children can use a gentle dry hand wash, safe for their skin.

Appropriate complementary feeding

Offer nutritious, soft, easy-to-digest and easily swallowed foods: Porridge, milk, fruits and drink plenty of water. Increase breastfeeding if your baby is still breastfeeding. Parents should encourage children to eat a variety of foods instead of just eating the one they like. Supplement vitamins in fruits, vegetables. Feed your child every day 1-2 boxes of yogurt enhance the digestive system.

Prevention of cross-contamination

If there are many children in the house, they need to isolate children from infection with other children in the house. Limit children to contact with healthy children. Parents instruct to cover the mouth and nose when coughing and sneezing, preferably with a cloth or tissue.

Wear a mask when taking care of children and have children wear masks at home. Bathe your child with warm water in a well-ventilated room, to avoid getting cold.

Get a flu shot

Experts recommend vaccination as an effective measure to prevent influenza. Children with influenza need to be isolated and caregivers need to wear masks to prevent transmission. In addition, families need to pay attention to make sure the place is well-ventilated, clean, lots of light ....

Currently, at City International Hospital, there are 2 types of influenza vaccines used in Vietnam: Vaxigrip (France), Influvac (United States) for children and adults.

• For Vaxigrip and Influvac vaccines, the specific injection schedule is as follows:
• Children from 6 months to 9 years of age who have never had a flu shot: Get 2 doses at least 1 month apart, then get 1 shot every year.
• Children over 9 years old and adults: 1 injection of 0.5ml, then booster injections every year.

Vaccine	Usage	Orig.	Orig. Price (VND)	Discounted Price (VND)
Vaxigrip 0.25ml	Protection for children under 3 years old	France	647,000	300,000
Influvac 0.5 ml	Protection for children over 3 years of age & adults	USA	709,000	330,000

CHECK OUT FOR MORE VACCINES SUPPLY AVAILABILITY

For appointment  or more service information provided at Travel Medicine & Vaccination Center (TMVC), please contact:

• Ms. Võ Thị Mỹ Liên: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8424
• Ms. Nguyễn Thị Lệ: (8428) 6280 3333, ext. 8402

Clinic Hours - City International Hospital (CIH)

Office-hours visits:

• Pediatric clinic is open from Monday to Saturday. Morning hours: 7:00  am - 12:00 pm. Afternoon hours: 1:00 pm - 4:30pm.
• Schedule an appointment: (028) 6280 3333. press 0 and talk to the operator.

After-hours visits: Please visit our Emergency Department for examination

• Service is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 
• Emergency call (028) 6290 1155.

For any further information about medical services provided by City International Hospital,  please contact: 

• Address: No. 3, 17A Street, Binh Tri Dong B Ward, Binh Tan Dist. (Next to AEON Mall Binh Tan). Ho Chi Minh City.
• Operator: (+8428) 6280 3333, ext. 0
• 24/7 Emergency: (+8428) 6290 1155
• Website: https://cih.com.vn/en/
• Fan page: https://www.facebook.com/BenhVienQuocTeCity/
• Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

General disclaimer

 Always consult your doctor regarding any concern about your health. Your doctor will be in the best position to give the appropriate medical advice. For suspected undesirable drug reaction and seek medical attention immediately.