Changing weather and increased year-end travel and gatherings can raise the risk of outbreaks, including influenza, dengue, hand, foot and mouth disease, measles and respiratory infections.
Health sector statistics show that Vietnam has recorded more than 94,000 dengue cases and 14 deaths so far this year. Hand, foot and mouth disease has affected more than 74,000 people and caused 11 deaths.
The country has also reported 5,143 suspected measles cases, 242 cases of viral encephalitis with one death, 34 cases of meningococcal meningitis with five deaths, and 54 deaths from rabies.
Dengue has been rising in several localities as heavy rainfall creates favourable breeding conditions for mosquitoes, with new outbreaks, severe cases and deaths reported.
HCM City recorded more than 1,400 dengue cases from September 21-27, bringing its total so far this year to more than 35,000.
The city also recorded 1,538 cases of hand, foot and mouth disease during the same week, up 63.8 per cent from the average of the previous four weeks. The year-to-date total reached 36,676 cases by week 39.
Doctors at the HCM City Hospital for Tropical Diseases have treated severe dengue cases in young patients, including two aged 16 and 21 who required intensive care. A 20-year-old patient died from dengue in September.
Doctors have warned against self-medication when fever first develops, as dengue can initially resemble common viral infections.
Nguyen Thanh Binh of the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases warned against taking non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs before dengue is ruled out, as they can increase bleeding risk.
People experiencing sudden high fever accompanied by headache, body aches, severe fatigue or unusual symptoms such as bleeding gums, nosebleeds or vomiting should seek medical attention rather than self-medicate, he said.
The Ministry of Health advised people to prevent mosquito bites and eliminate breeding sites by removing standing water and covering water containers, while using protective clothing and mosquito nets in high-risk areas.
Doctors also warned that hand, foot and mouth disease can progress rapidly in children. Those with persistent high fever, repeated vomiting, lethargy or trembling should be taken to hospital immediately.