According to the World Health Organization (WHO), seasonal flu affects around 1 billion people globally each year, with an estimated 290,000 to 650,000 deaths. In Vietnam, an annual average of 300,000 to 500,000 cases of acute respiratory infections is reported. While cases had declined mid-year, recent months have seen a resurgence to 8,500–11,000 cases per month.

Despite the uptick, the Ministry of Health emphasized that the circulating strains - A(H1N1), A(H3N2), and influenza B - have shown no signs of increased virulence.

The ministry warned that cold weather and heightened year-end travel are likely contributing to the spread of respiratory viruses. Major hospitals, particularly in northern Vietnam, have reported a notable increase in flu cases, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and hand-foot-and-mouth disease requiring hospitalization.

cum A y te benh vien dieu tri 11 (1).png
Patients receiving flu treatment at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases. Photo: Thach Thao

As part of RSV Awareness Week (November 3–9, 2025), GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Vietnam shared findings from a global survey revealing that most people aged 50 and older with underlying health conditions underestimate the seriousness of RSV. While 80% expressed concern about contracting the virus, 45% believed RSV is not dangerous for older adults or those with chronic illnesses.

The survey underscores the urgent need to raise awareness about RSV, which causes more than 5 million infections annually and poses serious risks for individuals with conditions like diabetes, COPD, asthma, coronary artery disease, or heart failure. In Vietnam alone, RSV is estimated to have infected 4.6 million people aged 60 or older over the past five years.

The online survey, conducted across eight countries with 4,656 participants aged 50 and above, found a significant gap in public understanding of RSV’s impact on high-risk groups. About 14% of hospitalized RSV patients required ongoing intensive care even after discharge.

RSV remains a largely unrecognized threat among older adults with chronic diseases. While the virus carries a mortality rate comparable to influenza, it more frequently leads to severe complications such as pneumonia, prolonged hospitalization, and admission to intensive care units.

Phuong Thuy