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February 9, 2025 | 03:21 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Seasonal influenza cases in Japan have become a growing concern, especially after the death of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu. She had complications from influenza that developed into pneumonia, a potentially fatal lung inflammation. The disease often develops from a respiratory infection that initially appears mild. Therefore, it is important to understand the early symptoms of Japanese influenza and how it can lead to pneumonia.
Symptoms of Japanese Influenza
Japanese influenza has similar symptoms to the common flu, but in some cases it can develop into something more severe. Some signs to watch out for include:
- Sudden high fever
A fever that appears suddenly and lasts a long time can be a sign that the body is fighting off an influenza virus infection. This is also what Barbie Hsu experienced before she eventually developed pneumonia.
- Persistent cough
A cough that doesn't go away can be an indication that the virus has invaded the respiratory tract more deeply. If not treated properly, this cough can be an early sign of pneumonia.
- Muscle pain and extreme fatigue
These symptoms are often overlooked, but in severe cases, sufferers can feel so weak that it is difficult to carry out daily activities. This indicates that the body is fighting hard against the virus.
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
If these symptoms appear, it could be that the virus has caused further inflammation in the lungs. Difficulty breathing is a serious sign that indicates the possibility of developing pneumonia.
From Influenza to Pneumonia
Influenza that is not treated properly can develop into pneumonia. Viral infections can weaken the immune system and make the lungs more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. In some cases, pneumonia can cause respiratory failure and lead to death if not treated quickly.
Reported from the PubMed Central page, Seasonal influenza is an infectious disease caused by influenza A and B viruses, this disease is common especially in winter. Every year, around 20 percent of the world's population is infected with this disease and is predicted to have the potential to become a pandemic if a new strain appears.
Most sufferers recover within a week without special treatment, but if the sufferer gets severe complications, it can cause the sufferer to be hospitalized and can even lead to death. Although the mortality rate from influenza is below 0.1 percent, more than 500 thousand people die each year from this infection and its complications (Miyashita et al., 2021).
One of the serious complications of influenza is pneumonia, which can be primary viral pneumonia, mixed viral-bacterial pneumonia, or secondary bacterial pneumonia. Primary influenza pneumonia occurs due to direct infection with the virus, while secondary bacterial pneumonia can appear several days after the initial infection. These three types of pneumonia have similar symptoms and are major factors in the mortality rate from influenza.
Early identification and treatment of high-risk individuals are essential to reduce complications and mortality from influenza. Rapid diagnosis and appropriate treatment can reduce the impact of this disease globally. Therefore, prevention strategies such as vaccination and health education are key in dealing with the threat of seasonal influenza.
Prevention and Protective Measures
Preventing influenza that has the potential to develop into pneumonia can be done with the following steps:
- Influenza Vaccination
An annual flu vaccine is highly recommended to reduce the risk of infection and serious complications such as pneumonia. Japan itself routinely campaigns for vaccination for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and children.
- Maintaining Cleanliness and a Healthy Lifestyle
Washing hands regularly, avoiding contact with people who are sick, and consuming nutritious foods to boost immunity can help prevent the spread of the virus.
- Get Medical Care Immediately
If you experience worsening flu symptoms, see a doctor immediately to prevent the condition from developing into pneumonia. Early diagnosis and treatment can save lives.
Cases of influenza that develop into pneumonia are a reminder of the importance of recognizing symptoms early and taking preventive measures. By maintaining health and increasing vigilance, the risk of serious complications from influenza can be reduced.
Haura Hamidah and Nia Nur Fadillah contributed to the writing of this article.
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