How to protect yourself from deadly flu-induced pneumonia

Flu-Related Pneumonia: A Serious Risk & the Importance of Vaccination

Following reports linking Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu’s death to influenza-induced pneumonia, Filipino lung specialist Dr. Earl Louis Sempio highlights the dangers of this condition. Influenza weakens the lungs, making them susceptible to bacterial infections like pneumonia, which can lead to severe complications such as acute respiratory distress syndrome, especially in vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and those with preexisting conditions.

Flu & Pneumonia Prevention:

1. Annual Flu Vaccination: The flu virus mutates frequently, requiring updated vaccines yearly to provide optimal protection. The flu shot reduces the severity of illness rather than completely preventing it.
2. Pneumonia Vaccines: Two main types—PCV (for children and some adults) and PPSV (for seniors and high-risk individuals)—offer protection against pneumococcal infections, which can lead to pneumonia, meningitis, and sinusitis.

Doctors emphasize the importance of timely vaccination before flu season (October–February in the Philippines) and consulting healthcare providers to determine the best immunization plan based on age and health conditions.

Our consultant, Dr. Earl Louis Sempio, MD wrote an article on this https://plus.inquirer.net/lifestyle/how-to-protect-yourself-from-deadly-flu-induced-pneumonia/?fbclid=IwY2xjawIhDAdleHRuA2FlbQIxMQABHXEllKHsyBulde5eFEgaxn3d-2OMeiipA1iMm2-9H6ZrdccyxKIkcfKy-A_aem_RkdRHe7fA6QYpG_1byAH2g