How to protect yourself from deadly flu-induced pneumonia
As news reports have linked Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu’s recent death to possible influenza-induced pneumonia, a Filipino lung specialist emphasizes the serious risks of this complication.
“Influenza-induced pneumonia occurs when the flu virus weakens the lungs, making them susceptible to a secondary bacterial infection, most commonly pneumonia,” says Dr. Earl Louis A. Sempio.
He stresses that the flu itself can be a significant viral threat, and when combined with a bacterial infection like pneumonia, it can be particularly deadly.
“The flu virus damages the respiratory tract,” he points out, “essentially creating an opportunity for bacteria to invade and cause pneumonia. This dual infection leads to significant inflammation and fluid buildup in the lungs, severely hindering breathing and oxygen intake.”
There’s a higher risk for certain individuals, he adds. These include the elderly, very young children, and those with weakened immune systems or underlying health conditions such as asthma. Their bodies are less equipped to fight off infections.
He notes that influenza-induced pneumonia can progress rapidly and can sometimes lead to life-threatening conditions like acute respiratory distress syndrome.
“This underscores the vulnerability of those with preexisting health issues to this dangerous complication,” he stresses. Hsu was reported to have had a history of epilepsy and heart disease.
Sempio, a professor at the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery, mentions the “critical importance of flu vaccination, especially for vulnerable populations, as it’s the most effective way to prevent this potentially fatal sequence of infections.”
He makes it clear, though, that each individual reacts differently to infections and treatments. Protecting vulnerable populations also requires a personalized approach that considers individual health status and risk factors. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice and the most appropriate preventative measures.
Get vaxxed every year
Sempio advises to get a yearly flu shot because the influenza virus constantly mutates. “This means new strains emerge, and our immunity from previous infections or vaccinations may not protect us against the latest circulating strains.”
He explains that the flu vaccine is reformulated annually to match the most likely circulating strains and provide the best possible protection. It essentially “trains” the immune system to recognize and fight these new strains.
Just like a car needs regular maintenance, he says, the body’s immune system needs a boost each year to fight the latest flu strains. It’s like a yearly tune-up for your body’s defense system.
As stated in the Philippine Clinical Practice Guidelines for Adult Immunization and many other international guidelines, the flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months of age and older. This broad recommendation, Sempio notes, highlights the importance of influenza prevention across age groups.
One of the very few exemptions to getting a flu shot is having a severe allergy to the vaccine itself or any of its ingredients, like egg protein in some versions. He cautions against getting the vaccine if you’ve ever had a serious allergic reaction to it.
Another exemption, though he says the risk is very low, is having a history of a rare autoimmune condition called Guillain-Barre syndrome. It causes numbness and muscle weakness.
“If it occurred after a previous flu vaccine, you should discuss it with your doctor,” he says. The healthcare professional can help weigh the small risks against the benefits of getting vaccinated.
How the flu vaxx works
Sempio clarifies that an annual immunization will not prevent you from getting the flu for a year, but it will significantly reduce the risk.
“Think of it like a seatbelt,” he says. “It dramatically lessens your chances of serious injury in a car crash, but it doesn’t prevent the crash itself, nor does it guarantee you won’t ever get hurt in a car. It protects you if a crash happens.”
The vaccine is the best defense against the flu, he stresses, but it doesn’t give a 100 percent guarantee. It works by preparing your body to fight the virus. So if you do get the flu, it’s likely to be milder and shorter-lasting.
At the same time, he admits that the flu shot isn’t perfect. “While it’s very effective for most people, it doesn’t work equally well for everyone. Some people’s immune systems might not respond as strongly to the vaccine.”
He mentions the many other viruses besides the flu that can cause similar symptoms, like fever, cough, and body aches.
“So, someone might get sick with one of these other viruses and think they have the flu, even though they had the flu shot. It’s kind of like having a flat tire and thinking your seat belt failed. The problems are different.”
Sempio says the best time to get your flu shot is before the flu season starts. In the Philippines, this typically runs from around October to February, though it can vary. Vaccination between October and December is generally ideal, giving your body time to build immunity before the flu virus spreads widely.
If that window is missed, he says, getting vaccinated later in the season is still better than not getting vaccinated at all.
Dr. Joey Cuayo-Estanislao, a pediatrician, suggests especially for parents to have their children vaccinated when the flu shot for the year is available.
“We want to teach our bodies to be able to defend against the infection before it has a chance to get to us, which is why the sooner we get our shots, the better,” she explains.
Pneumonia prevention
Just like with the flu, the best defense against pneumonia is immunization. In the country, two main types of pneumococcal vaccines are available: pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) and pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (PPSV).
PCV targets specific serotypes of the bacterium called Streptococcus pneumoniae. It comes with a number to indicate how many different serotypes are covered such as PCV10, PCV13, and PCV15.
Cuayo-Estanislao says PCV is part of the routine vaccinations in children. It is usually given to a child starting at age 6 weeks, then 10 weeks, and finally 14 weeks for the primary series. A booster shot will be given at 1 year old.
PPSV, on the other hand, is generally recommended for 65 years old and older, as well as to those with certain health conditions. It covers a broader range of strains.
Sempio points out, “Your doctor can advise you on which vaccine is best for you based on your age and health.”
He adds, “The pneumonia vaccine is crucial because S. pneumoniae can also cause other infections, including ear infections, sinusitis, and more serious conditions like meningitis. Because this bacteria spreads through respiratory droplets, vaccination is key to protection.”
