As the holiday season approaches, the risk of infectious diseases spreading increases due to travel and large gatherings. Doctor Bach Thi Chinh, Medical Director of VNVC Vaccination System, has noted that there are cases of various infectious diseases being reported in many areas, including dengue fever, hand, foot and mouth disease, whooping cough, and others. Diseases that may see an uptick during this time include hand, foot and mouth disease, chickenpox, measles, rubella, and influenza A/H5N1. With the upcoming holidays and summer vacations, children may be exposed to crowded places, leading to a higher risk of contracting illnesses.
Dr. Chinh emphasizes the importance of disease prevention for children, especially since young children are more susceptible to infections through respiratory and fecal-oral routes. Diseases that can be transmitted through the respiratory tract include influenza, measles, chickenpox, whooping cough, and diphtheria, while those transmitted through the fecal-oral route include hand, foot and mouth disease, cholera, typhoid, rotavirus, and polio. Children, being active and living in crowded environments, are more prone to getting infected and spreading germs.
Preventive measures recommended by Dr. Chinh include having children wear masks in crowded places, practicing good hygiene habits such as washing hands and not touching their face, disinfecting common surfaces, and avoiding folk remedies. If a child shows signs of illness, prompt quarantine and notifying authorities are necessary. Vaccinations play a crucial role in preventing infectious diseases, with vaccines available for diseases like measles, polio, chickenpox, diphtheria, whooping cough, cholera, typhoid, and rotavirus.
Dr. Chinh advises parents not to wait for an outbreak to vaccinate their children, as vaccines take time to produce antibodies. Early vaccination is essential for effective immunity. By following these preventive measures and ensuring children receive necessary vaccinations, the risk of contracting and spreading infectious diseases can be significantly reduced during the holiday season.