In late 2025 and early 2026, Vietnam has seen a significant,64% increase in hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), specifically driven by the emergence of the Enterovirus 71 (EV71) strain in Ho Chi Minh City. Additionally, the country reported its first human infection with Avian Influenza A(H9N2) in April 2024, alongside ongoing, sporadic cases of H5N1.
Since the beginning of 2025, Vietnam has recorded over 132,000 cases of seasonal influenza, including three deaths. The Ministry of Health confirmed on November 18 that flu and respiratory illnesses are on the rise across multiple regions.
H9N2 IAV is defined as a subtype of avian influenza virus that has been associated with mild influenza-like illness in humans who are in contact with infected poultry, characterized by symptoms such as mild respiratory infections and fever in some animal studies.
What is subclade K? Every year, the subvariants of the influenza virus that are the most pervasive change slightly. This year, the most prevalent variant is subclade K, which is a subtype of influenza H3N2. Subclade K was first detected in Australia in July 2025.
In addition, multiple research studies have confirmed that pasteurization inactivates the virus. FDA and New York State funded research conducted at Cornell University to assess whether aging raw milk cheese for at least 60 days is effective in reducing or eliminating viable H5N1.
Human cases have been confirmed in multiple states, and as of mid-2025, approximately 70 cases have been officially reported, most with mild illness but including at least 1 death. High viral levels have been found in raw milk, and live virus has been detected in mammary tissue and milking equipment.
Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), is an illness caused by a virus. The virus is called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 or, more commonly, SARS-CoV-2.
The flu generally lasts from a few days to two weeks, with the worst symptoms (fever, body aches) usually resolving in 2-5 days, but a lingering cough, fatigue, and weakness can persist for up to two weeks or more as your body recovers, with full recovery taking time. While some recent strains (like H3N2) are causing GI issues, shortness of breath, and higher fevers, the typical duration remains similar, though antivirals can shorten it.
A new influenza A(H3N2) virus subclade J.2.4.1, also called "H3N2 subclade K," was first identified by CDC through analysis of sequence data in August 2025. It emerged after the selection of viruses to be used in this season's influenza vaccines was made in February 2025.
Some people have reported diarrhea and vomiting associated with swine flu. In the past, severe illness (pneumonia and respiratory failure) and deaths have been reported with swine flu infection in people. Like seasonal flu, swine flu may cause a worsening of underlying chronic medical conditions.
In 2025, a resurgence of chikungunya virus (CHIKV) disease was noted in a number of countries, including some that had not reported substantial case numbers in recent years.
Although there is no recent history of terrorism in Vietnam, attacks cannot be ruled out. Attacks could be indiscriminate including in places visited by foreign nationals. Stay aware of your surroundings, keep up to date with local media reports and follow the advice of local authorities.
Experts think that influenza viruses spread mainly by droplets made when people with flu cough, sneeze, or talk. Less often, a person might get influenza (flu) by touching a surface or object that has influenza virus on it and then touching their own mouth, nose, or possibly their eyes.
The main treatment options include rest, hydration, pain relief, and medications prescribed by your doctor to reduce fever. How does the transmission of H3N2 occur? When an infected person coughs, talks, or sneezes, the H3N2 influenza virus droplets remain in the air and spread quickly.
Things that are easy to digest are best. Simple items, like lean turkey or chicken in a simple sandwich, chicken soup, bananas, toast and non-flavored crackers are good options. Ice pops made from 100% fruit are good as well. Not only for nutrition, but again, to help with fluid balance,” Dr.
The next pandemic is not a case of if, but when. This could be caused by a coronavirus related to COVID-19, such as the even deadlier Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) or Middle Eastern Respiratory Syndrome (MERS), or a new coronavirus lurking somewhere in the world that could soon 'jump' into people.
Like other recent COVID variants, it carries mutations that allow it to spread more easily from person to person. Health experts continue to monitor this COVID variant 2026 closely. So far, data shows it behaves similarly to earlier Omicron strains in terms of illness severity for most healthy individuals.
Bird flu symptoms in humans range from mild to severe, often starting like seasonal flu with fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches, but commonly include conjunctivitis (red, irritated eyes) in recent U.S. cases. More severe symptoms can develop quickly, such as shortness of breath, pneumonia, vomiting, diarrhea, and even death, though human-to-human spread is rare and usually requires close contact with infected birds or animals.
Historically, the mortality rate from avian influenza A(H5N1) observed globally has been around 50%; however, only one of 70 human infections* in the United States to date has resulted in death.
Vietnam. One human infection with influenza A(H5N1) virus was reported in a child with encephalitis in Vietnam during 2025. The patient had close contact with dead poultry before becoming sick and being hospitalized. Genetic sequencing results of the specimen from the patient was identified as clade 2.3.
