EXPLAINER: What is flu-induced pneumonia, and how to protect yourself from it
The sudden death of actress Barbie Hsu, star of Meteor Garden, has left fans and celebrities in mourning. She passed away at just 48 years old from flu-induced pneumonia.
Multiple local and international outlets, including Focus Taiwan and BBC, reported that Barbie contracted the flu during Lunar New Year celebrations in Japan.
Her sister, talk show host Dee Hsu, confirmed the news through her agent.
"Our whole family came to Japan for a trip, and my dearest and most kindhearted sister Barbie Hsu died of influenza-induced pneumonia and unfortunately left us," Dee said in a statement.
Her husband, DJ Koo Jun Yup, also confirmed the unfortunate news, saying, “It is not fake news,” as quoted by K-media outlet Ilgan Sports.
Barbie is survived by her two children, whom she shared with her former husband, Wang Xiaofei; her husband, DJ Koo; her two sisters; and their mother.
But what is flu-induced pneumonia? How do you get it? Read below about to know more.
What is flu-induced pneumonia?
Dr. Irene Felipe, an internist and pulmonologist, explained to PhilSTAR L!fe that there are four types of influenza: A, B, C, and D. The most common type that affects humans and other animals is Influenza A, and its subtypes, H3N2 and H1N1—where the latter became a pandemic in 2009—are the type that infects humans.
“Influenza A viruses have a very high mutation rate, which allows them to evade acquired annual immunity in humans. They are the only ones known to cause pandemics,” she added. Influenza B and C are generally milder, while the D type mainly affects cattle and other animals.
Dr. Michelle Manaligod, also an internal medicine and pulmonology specialist, shared with L!fe that flu is community-acquired, so it spreads via droplets from coughing, sneezing, or close contact with an infected patient. Furthermore, Felipe noted that the disease can be acquired by touching contaminated objects and then their eyes and nose without disinfecting.
Its common complication is a bacterial infection, like pneumonia. According to Felipe, symptoms of flu-induced pneumonia include deteriorating cough, difficulty breathing, and decreased capacity for the lungs to take in oxygen.
She added that other complications that may occur are bacterial superinfection—when a secondary bacterial infection occurs on top of the primary viral one, like Staph aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, or Haemophilus influenzae—pulmonary aspergillosis, a fungal infection, and myocarditis (an inflammation of the heart muscle), and more.
Who is at risk?
Dr. Christian Diorico, who specializes in Adult Pulmonary Medicine, shared that people who have a high risk for complications are the elderly (65 or older), children under five, pregnant women, and people with underlying medical conditions, such as heart disease, liver problems, and diabetes.
ICYDK, Barbie reportedly had a history of heart disease. She also had a life-threatening pregnancy in 2018 when she suffered from an epileptic fit due to a cold, per a report by The Straits Times. Diorico noted that her underlying heart and neurologic condition “may have put her at a higher risk for complications.”
Treatment
Although complications may be concerning, Manaligod said those with mild cases can recover through supportive care, such as increasing fluid intake, bed rest, taking antipyretics and antivirals (with prescription) to manage symptoms, and vitamins.
For severe cases, Diorico and Felipe shared that patients could get treated with invasive or noninvasive respiratory support and ventilatory support.
Preventive care tips
To protect themselves from the virus, Diorico said that people should do proper sanitation such as washing of hands with soap and water, disinfecting with alcohol, maintaining cough etiquette, and wearing of masks.
Manaligod, meanwhile, stresses the importance of having a healthy lifestyle and a good rest.
More importantly, the experts strongly advise getting a yearly flu vaccination, especially for those vulnerable to the disease.
“The quadrivalent vaccine is preferred. It is recommended for anyone above the age of six months,” Felipe said, she added that if possible, isolation of the infected individual in the household is a must to avoid spreading the disease.
Where to get flu vaccine
While flu vaccines can be requested through your physicians, they are readily available at many pharmacies.
Kindred, which has branches in Serendra, BGC, and Vertis North, offers one at P1,700. They also have a home service fee of P2,000 per home visit if other members of the household want to avail of it.
Juan Medical also offers home service flu vaccination administered by a licensed medical practitioner. The price per person is P1,699 and includes a vaccination card. A service fee of P999 for NCR, P1,799 for Cavite, Rizal, & Bulacan, and P1,999 for Laguna will also be collected.
Meanwhile, you can also get vials online from Hi-Precision Diagnostics for P1,450.
Vaccine shots are available at select Watsons branches for P850. Appointments are required, which can be done here. The same goes for Mercury Drug, which offers flu vaccine shots at P850. They also offer pneumonia shots that start at P2,360.
