What Should Parents Do to Protect Their Children from Influenza A?

Young children are at high risk of serious complications from Influenza A, such as secondary infections, pneumonia, and multi-organ failure. To safeguard your child during flu season, parents need to proactively adopt effective prevention methods. For detailed information on symptoms, complications, and scientific preventive measures against Influenza A, please refer to the following article from H PLUS International General Clinic.

1. Why Are Children More Vulnerable to Influenza A?

Children are among the most vulnerable groups to Influenza A for the following reasons:

Weaker self-protection
Young children are not fully aware of the importance of social distancing, wearing masks, or frequent handwashing. Moreover, settings such as schools, daycare centers, and playgrounds are environments where viruses spread easily. Habits like touching their mouth or playing with contaminated objects also increase their risk of infection.

Immature immune system
Children have weaker immune systems that are not yet strong enough to produce natural antibodies to fight off the virus effectively.

Characteristics of Influenza A virus
This virus has a short incubation period, is highly contagious, and can survive for long periods in the environment, making it easier for children to catch.

High risk of complications
According to the Ministry of Health, off-season outbreaks of Influenza A have affected hundreds of thousands of people. Many children have suffered severe complications such as myocarditis and seizures. Those with pre-existing conditions like asthma, heart, liver, or kidney disease are more likely to develop serious complications from the flu.

2. Influenza A Prevention Guide for Children

2.1. Vaccination – The Most Effective Prevention Method

While seasonal flu is often mild in children, if not detected and treated promptly, it can lead to dangerous complications. Vaccination is the best way to protect children from Influenza A and reduce their risk of severe illness:

• Reduces the risk of ear infections by 36%

• Reduces the risk of upper respiratory tract infections by 33% and lower respiratory tract infections by 22% in children aged 2–5

• Reduces asthma exacerbation risk by 41% in children with asthma

• Reduces the flu infection rate by 63% in infants

• Reduces respiratory failure in both infants and mothers by 36%

Currently, three main types of flu vaccines are widely used in Vietnam:

• Vaxigrip Tetra (France): Protects against four strains including Influenza A (A/H3N2, A/H1N1) and B (Yamagata, Victoria). Suitable for children aged 6 months and above.

• Influvac Tetra (Netherlands): Also protects against the same four strains, for both children (from 6 months) and adults.

• GC Flu Quadrivalent (South Korea): Covers four flu virus strains, for children from 6 months up to the elderly.

Vaccination reduces the risk of contracting vaccine-covered virus strains by up to 90% and lowers the general flu infection risk by 60–80%, depending on age and regional outbreaks. Although it may not provide 100% protection due to virus mutations, vaccines help reduce symptoms, severity, hospitalization, and death from the flu.

2.2. Effective At-Home Flu Prevention for Children

In addition to timely and complete vaccination, parents should apply the following simple and effective at-home methods to prevent Influenza A:

a. Teach children proper cough and sneeze etiquette
Since coughing and sneezing are common transmission routes, parents should teach children to:

• Use the elbow or a tissue to cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing

• Dispose of used tissues immediately and wash hands thoroughly afterward

• Keep a safe distance and cover their own face when near someone who is coughing or sneezing

b. Encourage regular handwashing and good hygiene
Proper handwashing removes most viruses after touching contaminated surfaces. When washing hands:

• Use antibacterial soap and dry with paper towels

• Turn off the faucet using a tissue, then dispose of it properly

• Avoid touching the eyes, nose, and mouth to reduce the risk of infection

c. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to boost immunity
A balanced routine strengthens the immune system and reduces flu risk:

• Ensure a well-rounded diet with foods rich in vitamins and minerals

• Get enough sleep and keep the body warm, especially in cold weather

• Maintain indoor temperatures between 27°C and 28°C to prevent immune suppression

d. Use nasal sprays to protect against flu
Cold and dry weather can cause nasal membranes to dry out, reducing their ability to block viruses. Using nasal sprays helps moisturize and create a natural barrier in the nasal passages, reducing infection risk.

Parents should also encourage children to drink enough water, especially during dry seasons, to stay hydrated and support immune function.

e. Increase vitamin C intake to boost immunity
Vitamin C plays a crucial role in supporting immune health and defending against the flu virus. It can be provided through natural sources such as cabbage, spinach, oranges, lemons, or warm lemon honey water.

f. Encourage age-appropriate physical activity
Regular exercise not only keeps children physically fit but also boosts immunity by improving blood circulation and white blood cell function. Boys may enjoy soccer or running, while girls can try jump rope or dancing. These activities can be done indoors 2–3 times per week.

g. Teach children to wear masks properly
Masks act as an essential barrier against viral spread. Parents should teach children to wear well-fitting masks when going out or entering crowded areas. If not necessary, children should stay and play indoors to minimize exposure.

h. Monitor your child’s fever
If your child has a mild fever (below 38.5°C), help reduce it by placing a cool towel on their forehead and wiping their body with a warm cloth (around 30°C), especially on the forehead, underarms, and groin. Encourage fluid intake and supplement with vitamin C. If the fever persists or worsens, seek medical attention immediately.

These at-home flu prevention strategies are simple yet highly effective. Among them, timely vaccination remains the most optimal solution to protect children—especially those with developing immune systems—from flu complications.

3. Where Should Parents Take Their Child for Safe and Effective Flu Vaccination?

At H PLUS International General Clinic, we always have high-quality flu vaccines in stock, including the latest generation vaccines that offer optimal protection. We are committed to providing vaccines in large quantities at stable, reasonable costs, even during high-demand seasons, along with attractive promotional offers for our clients.

All vaccines at H PLUS are preserved under international GSP-standard Cold Chain systems to ensure optimal quality before use. Our vaccination procedures are conducted safely under a strict, scientifically-designed process.

Special perks for H PLUS clients include free vaccination reminders via phone, text message, or app notifications to ensure no important dose is missed.

H PLUS proudly supports families in preventing Influenza A with a special promotional program:

• Promotional price: only 550,000 VND

• Applicable for clients who book appointments in advance

• Free pre-vaccination screening

• Offer valid when clients check in on Facebook at the clinic

• Limited quantity – Book now to avoid missing out!

• Promotion valid from March 1 to March 15, 2025

For vaccine consultation and appointments, please contact our hotline: +84 24-7306-9889

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