Season change is often marked by more people getting sick in the context of COVID-19, especially during and before Tet.

Health experts are urging the public to keep active and eat healthy in a bid to avoid sick as the weather is turning cold. IN THE PHOTO: Local residents register for medical examination service at the Da Nang General Hospital after Tet. Photo: T.V

Data published by the Da Nang General Hospital shows that the hospital during and after the Tet Festival witnessed lower number of inpatient admissions and outpatient visits compared to before Tet. However, there has been a significant rise in the number of inpatients in this hospital in recent days. Since February 13, the hospital has recorded daily nearly 1,500 outpatient attendances and more than 1,500 inpatients while its Emergency Department has received between 120 and 150 patients per day.

Doctor Nguyen Thanh Trung, the Deputy Director of the Da Nang General Hospital, has warned of a possible rise in hospital admissions with change in weather amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The reasons are mainly attributed to irregular eating patterns and excessive alcohol consumption among local residents during Tet.

Meanwhile, the Da Nang Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital has daily received between 120 and 150 outpatient visits and inpatients, a decline of 50 to 100 cases compared to before the pandemic.

Doctor Bui Thi Minh Hien, the Deputy Manager of General Planning Department at the Da Nang Maternity and Paediatrics Hospital said that the above figure do not reflect reality as many parents have chosen to buy over-the-counter medicines for their children instead of taking them to the hospital for medical examination due to the fear of COVID-19 infection. Doctor Hien also raised concerns about the potential increase in the number of child patients who suffer from seasonal influenza and skin disorders due to cross-contamination after reopening schools. In addition, he warned about a possible rise in the number of child hospital admissions due to injuries in playgrounds that are the result of falls after schools return to in-person learning.  

Dr. Nguyen Duc Lu from the Da Nang University of Medical Technology and Pharmacy said that sudden changes in the weather and extreme weather conditions in Da Nang over recent days could trigger certain illnesses, including respiratory infections. Older adults and children are at higher risk for such infections, Dr, Lu noted. Moreover, eating irregularly along with eating too much protein and drinking too much can cause such diseases as digestive disorders, food allergies, hypertension, and a sudden, extreme rise in blood sugar levels.

Dr. Lu says that everyone should keep their spirit always happy and comfortable, avoid stress and exercise regularly in order to help them to avoid getting sick during changing seasons. Especially, clinically extremely vulnerable people, including older adults and children, are urged to take extra precaution during cold weather to ensure they don’t get too cold when they are outside. People exposed to cold weather for prolonged periods can lose body heat and develop hypothermia, clinicians warn.

Young people are advised to reduce their alcohol consumption and reduce the use of protein-rich foods, eat more fruits and vegetables, drink enough water and get enough sleep. People with chronic conditions who temporarily stopped their treatment for many reasons during the Tet holiday, are urged to continue visiting healthcare facilities for examination and treatment.

Reporting by THANH VAN – translating by H.L