Back to news listing 48 Golden Hours After Getting Flu: Importance and Care Instructions
Corporate Blog
In the context of the complicated developments of seasonal flu in Vietnam, timely awareness and action within the "golden 48 hours" after the appearance of flu symptoms plays an important role in minimizing complications and protecting public health.
According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, since the beginning of 2025, the country has recorded 912 cases of flu, with no deaths. Although the number of cases decreased by 97.4% compared to the same period in 2024, the number of flu cases in some major hospitals has tended to increase. The National Children's Hospital reported that the number of flu cases increased from 200 cases/week in mid-December 2024 to more than 1,200 cases during Tet, a 6-fold increase. At Hanoi Medical University Hospital, in the first months of 2025, the number of seasonal flu cases increased rapidly, with an average of 10 patients with influenza A admitted each week.
The Importance of the "Golden 48 Hours"
Golden 48 Hours" is understood as the first 48 hours from the onset of flu symptoms. Treatment during this period is important because:
• The effectiveness of antiviral drugs: Antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are most effective when used within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Early use helps to quickly reduce symptoms, prevent complications and shorten the duration of the disease.
• Reduce the risk of spreading: Early treatment helps reduce the viral load in the body, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting the flu to people around. Flu can spread rapidly through the respiratory tract, especially in crowded environments such as schools, offices and public transport.
• Prevent dangerous complications: In some cases, flu can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, encephalitis, especially in high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly and people with underlying diseases. Treatment within the first 48 hours significantly reduces this risk.
According to the Department of Preventive Medicine, since the beginning of 2025, the country has recorded 912 cases of flu, with no deaths. Although the number of cases decreased by 97.4% compared to the same period in 2024, the number of flu cases in some major hospitals has tended to increase. The National Children's Hospital reported that the number of flu cases increased from 200 cases/week in mid-December 2024 to more than 1,200 cases during Tet, a 6-fold increase. At Hanoi Medical University Hospital, in the first months of 2025, the number of seasonal flu cases increased rapidly, with an average of 10 patients with influenza A admitted each week.
The Importance of the "Golden 48 Hours"
Golden 48 Hours" is understood as the first 48 hours from the onset of flu symptoms. Treatment during this period is important because:
• The effectiveness of antiviral drugs: Antiviral drugs such as Oseltamivir (Tamiflu) are most effective when used within the first 48 hours after the onset of symptoms. Early use helps to quickly reduce symptoms, prevent complications and shorten the duration of the disease.
• Reduce the risk of spreading: Early treatment helps reduce the viral load in the body, thereby reducing the risk of transmitting the flu to people around. Flu can spread rapidly through the respiratory tract, especially in crowded environments such as schools, offices and public transport.
• Prevent dangerous complications: In some cases, flu can cause serious complications such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, encephalitis, especially in high-risk groups such as young children, the elderly and people with underlying diseases. Treatment within the first 48 hours significantly reduces this risk.
