Vietnam health experts warn of rising childhood illness risks

Medical professionals are warning parents about the increased risk of various illnesses in children due to unstable weather, high humidity, and air pollution in Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces. The combination of erratic rain and sun can lead to a rise in respiratory infections, digestive issues, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and dengue fever.

Doctors emphasize the importance of recognizing early warning signs of severe illness. For respiratory issues, parents should monitor breathing rates and look for signs such as chest retractions, wheezing, or bluish lips. In cases of hand-foot-and-mouth disease or dengue fever, symptoms like prolonged fever, sudden jerking movements, skin hemorrhaging, or severe abdominal pain require immediate medical attention.

In Ha Tinh province, health experts are also advising caution regarding the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), noting that symptoms like fever, cough, and runny nose can easily be mistaken for a common cold.