The flu virus spreads easily and rapidly, particularly in closed spaces, so metro passengers in Ho Chi Minh City should take precautions like wearing face masks to protect themselves from being infected, according to doctors.

T.T., a 34-year-old resident of Thu Duc City, said that she travels to District 1 by metro for work every day.

However, she voiced concerns over flu infection as during rush hours, the metro is often crowded, with passengers standing close together. 

“Most people wear masks on the metro, but some are careless. In such a confined space, the risk of flu transmission is high,” she said.

Dr. Bui Huu Hoang, a respiratory specialist at the University of Medicine and Pharmacy at Ho Chi Minh City, told Tuoi Tre (Youth) that seasonal flu is highly contagious.

He elaborated that the flu virus primarily spreads through respiratory droplets, especially when an infected person coughs or sneezes. 

The virus can linger on surfaces, and if someone touches these surfaces and then touches their face, the risk of infection is high.

The flu virus spreads more easily in enclosed spaces such as the metro, elevators, cars, and buses.

If infected individuals are within public space and do not take proper precautions, the disease can spread rapidly.

People are advised to wear masks in these crowded spaces and cover their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing to prevent the virus from spreading. 

Once at home, it is important to dispose of the mask in a closed bin and wash their hands thoroughly with soap.

The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Health also urged residents to take some measures to prevent the flu when using means of public transport or in public places, including covering their mouths and noses when coughing or sneezing with a cloth or tissue, wearing a face mask in crowded areas, and frequently washing hands with soap and water or use hand sanitizer, especially after coughing or sneezing.

Besides, people should avoid spitting in public places and limit contact with those who are sick or suspected to have the flu unless necessary, get vaccinated against seasonal flu, adopt a healthy lifestyle that incorporates regular physical activity, and eat a balanced diet to help boost immunity and prevent infections. 

People undergoing symptoms like coughing, fever, runny nose, headache, or fatigue should not self-diagnose or treat with over-the-counter drugs, but they should seek medical advice and timely treatment at a healthcare facility.

Seasonal flu is a contagious viral infection that spreads quickly, often leading to clusters or outbreaks.

The flu virus has two main strains: A (three-quarters of cases) and B (one-quarter of cases).

The pathogen can survive for hours in the environment, particularly in cold conditions. 

At temperatures between zero and four degrees Celsius, the virus can live for several weeks, while it can survive for years in freezing temperatures (-20°C).

The flu symptoms initially include fever, coughing, sore throat, headache, muscle aches, and fatigue. 

These symptoms are often similar to those of a common cold and can lead people to underestimate the seriousness of the illness or delay seeking medical care.

However, the flu virus can worsen and cause severe complications, including pneumonia, myocarditis, encephalitis, and sepsis, with worst-case examples leading to death.

Those at higher risk of severe complications include people aged 65 and older, pregnant women, young children, and individuals with underlying conditions such as cardiovascular diseases, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, kidney failure, and diabetes.

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