Respiratory illness cases rise sharply in Ho Chi Minh City hospitals amid seasonal outbreak

Leading pediatric hospitals, including Children’s Hospital 2 and Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Hospital, have recorded a sharp increase in outpatient and inpatient visits due to respiratory illnesses.

Medical experts have warned the public to take preventive measures as transmission accelerates.

According to Children’s Hospital 2, the number of pediatric outpatient visits doubled in one month, rising from 6,355 in the first week of September to 12,332 in the first week of October.

Hospitalizations for respiratory-related illnesses also increased from 286 to 475 cases during the same period.

At Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Hospital, respiratory infections now account for the highest share of admissions, with most cases caused by viral agents and a smaller number linked to bacterial co-infections.

According to doctors, common symptoms among patients include prolonged fever, cough, runny nose, wheezing, fatigue, poor appetite, and vomiting.

Older children often present with high fever, muscle pain, and fatigue, leading to missed school days.

In some cases, entire families have fallen ill, raising concerns about household transmission.

In one instance, a two-year-old girl from Trung My Tay Ward was hospitalized with bronchitis after developing symptoms including sneezing, wheezing and vomiting.

Other members of her family also experienced similar symptoms and recovered after about a week.

The elderly are also at heightened risk.

A 67-year-old man with chronic conditions such as hypertension and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) was hospitalized at Thong Nhat Hospital after developing pneumonia and respiratory failure following an initial self-diagnosis of the flu.

“This is the peak season for respiratory infections, typically from September through December,” said Dr. Nguyen Minh Tien, deputy director of Ho Chi Minh City Children’s Hospital.

He attributed the rise in cases to changeable weather conditions that support virus circulation.

Tran Van Ngoc, president of the Ho Chi Minh City Respiratory Society, said the city is currently experiencing a spike in acute respiratory infections driven by both viral and bacterial pathogens.

He warned that although many cases resolve within a week, vulnerable populations—including children and elderly individuals with underlying conditions—are at risk of severe complications such as pneumonia or respiratory distress.

Ngoc added that flu symptoms can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold, but often include high fever, muscle aches, and fatigue.

“People with chronic illnesses, such as diabetes, asthma, COPD or kidney disease, may face higher risks if left untreated,” he said.

Health experts also addressed the growing use of at-home influenza test kits.

Dr. Nguyen Minh Ngoc of the Pasteur Institute’s outpatient clinic in Ho Chi Minh City said home testing may be useful if conducted with reliable kits, but warned of potential false results due to improper sampling.

For more accurate diagnosis, he recommended polymerase chain reaction (PCR) testing at certified medical facilities.

To reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses, public health officials advised wearing masks in crowded areas, frequent handwashing, maintaining adequate sleep, avoiding smoking, ensuring proper nutrition, and receiving recommended vaccinations.