Flu Warning: 20% of Cases Turn Fatal, Expert Cautions
Many people underestimate flu as a simple illness, but you should be aware that 20 to 30 percent of cases can develop into life-threatening complications, warns infectious disease expert Dr. Rontgene Solante.
Your risk of complications increases during the respiratory virus season from October to February, coinciding with the cold northeast monsoon season. If you experience flu symptoms that persist beyond five days, you need to seek medical attention immediately.
When your immune system weakens while fighting the virus, it can lead to severe pneumonia. “These patients admitted to the hospital need to be intubated because they already have difficulty in breathing and very low oxygen in the blood. Sometimes, because of severe pneumonia, these patients die,” explains Dr. Solante.
Your risk becomes higher if you belong to vulnerable groups such as infants, senior citizens, or if you have existing health conditions. The Philippine Statistics Authority reports pneumonia as the fourth leading cause of death in 2023, claiming 44,079 lives.
You should also know that flu complications can trigger sepsis, leading to widespread organ failure, and may cause heart complications including heart attack. The recent death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu at age 48 from influenza-induced pneumonia highlights these risks.
To protect yourself, Dr. Solante emphasizes that annual vaccination remains your best defense against flu and its complications. Your yearly flu shot is necessary because the virus constantly changes, and new vaccines are developed to combat emerging strains.
The Department of Health (DOH) reports 5,789 cases of influenza-like illnesses from January 1 to 18, showing a 54 percent decrease from last year’s cases. Despite the lower numbers, you shouldn’t take flu symptoms lightly and should seek proper medical attention when needed.
