Influenza A hits the world: 'Quadruple epidemic' raging, 'doomsday' imminent?

Influenza A is spreading rapidly around the world, putting a strain on health systems and increasing hospitalizations. This year’s flu season is more dangerous, with many countries facing overcrowding. Vaccination and prevention are important.

In the United States, the 2024-2025 flu season has caused a sharp increase in cases, with more than 24 million infections, 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths. Schools have closed en masse in many states including Texas, Ohio, Oklahoma, Georgia, Virginia and Tennessee due to the high number of students and teachers infected.

Health experts say this year’s flu could be more dangerous than previous seasons, thanks to the quartet of diseases that are simultaneously raging in the U.S. Along with flu, outbreaks of norovirus, Covid-19 and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) have put increased pressure on the nation’s health care system.

To combat this, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that people 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine, which protects against influenza A and influenza B, especially for high-risk groups such as children, the elderly, and people with underlying medical conditions.

The flu situation is also tense in Europe, especially in Belgium, where the health system is facing serious overload. The number of flu cases in Belgium has doubled since the peak of the previous flu season, leaving hospitals struggling to cope with the influx of patients. This year's flu epidemic is considered the worst since the Covid-19 pandemic, with a flu hospitalization rate of 6.6 per 100,000 people.

In the UK, the government has imposed a nationwide ban on "poultry gatherings" after a case of bird flu was reported in the West Midlands. The bird flu outbreak is spreading, affecting agriculture and public health.

Japan is also facing its worst flu outbreak in 25 years, with 317,000 cases recorded in the last week of 2024. The medical overload has left hospitals short of drugs and beds as demand for treatment surges. Shortages of antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu have made it difficult for many people to get treatment.

Meanwhile, South Korea is reporting its worst flu season since 2016, with flu cases soaring, especially among young people. Health care facilities have been under immense pressure as infection rates hit record highs, especially among high-risk groups.

In Vietnam, the flu epidemic is also on the rise, with the appearance of influenza A (H1N1, H3N2) and influenza B strains. Hospitals have recorded many hospitalizations with more severe symptoms, especially in children, the elderly and those with underlying medical conditions. The Ministry of Health recommends that people get vaccinated against the flu, wear masks and improve personal hygiene to prevent the spread.

In Ho Chi Minh City, the city's Department of Health has implemented measures to closely monitor the epidemic situation at medical facilities and requires people to wear masks when visiting and receiving treatment at hospitals. Currently, Ho Chi Minh City is treating 20 inpatient flu cases at hospitals, but the situation is not unusual. The Central Hospital for Tropical Diseases in Hanoi is also treating many influenza A patients, including a case that required ECMO due to severe complications.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of rising hospitalizations and pressure on health systems in many countries, especially in temperate regions where respiratory diseases are endemic. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stressed that full immunization, including booster doses, is the most effective way to protect public health, especially for older people and those at high risk.

Influenza is on the rise globally and poses a major challenge to health systems. However, with the cooperation of health authorities and the proactive participation of the population in vaccination and preventive measures, the epidemic can be completely controlled. Everyone needs to be vigilant and follow the recommendations of experts to protect their personal and community health.

"Red alert": Seasonal flu breaks out strongly, Hanoi people "live in fear"? Khanh Phạm16:37:55 08/02/2025The seasonal influenza epidemic broke out strongly in Hanoi, causing concern with severe cases. Vaccination facilities recorded an increase in the number of people vaccinated, especially the elderly and young children.