What makes flu deadly? Understanding the shocking death of Barbie Hsu

MANILA, Philippines – Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu was confirmed dead by her family on Monday, February 3, her passing coming as a shock to all those who had watched the shows she had been in. 

Hsu was only 48 when she passed away. She had traveled to Japan with her family to celebrate the Lunar New Year. While she was there, she contracted influenza — or the flu — and later succumbed to pneumonia. 

Perhaps too commonly, the flu is often thought of as any other minor illness that can be cured within a day or two. From around December to February, the respiratory illness usually sees a surge during the winter, or in the Philippines, during amihan season, because of the significantly cooler weather. 

But why should we take the flu more seriously?

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), out of the billion cases of seasonal influenza cases each year, 3 to 5 million of them end up being severe. Annually, it also causes between 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths. 

Flu symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. While most people are able to make a smooth recovery from the flu, some cases can develop into severe pneumonia, where the air sacs in our lungs end up being filled with liquids that make it difficult for oxygen to reach the bloodstream. This respiratory illness can eventually lead to death. 

Such was the case with Hsu. Following the actress’ death, Filipino doctor Edsel Maurice Salvana had also taken to social media to remind the public of the precautionary measures to avoid contracting influenza. 

Salvana said that getting a flu shot is key — and similar to any other vaccine — while it doesn’t completely shield you from the possibility of catching influenza, it can help lessen the severity of the illness’ effects on you, such as its development into a bad case of pneumonia. 

This is especially important for higher-risk individuals like children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those who are immunocompromised. 

“For those who aren’t immunocompromised, get the vaccine anyway because it decreases the probability of transmitting the virus to someone who is [at] higher risk. Vaccines and masking up aren’t 100% effective, but both of these significantly decrease the risk of severe disease and may be the difference between life and death,” the doctor wrote. 

Vaccines aren’t the only way to prevent infection. The US’ Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) also recommends that we take everyday measures. Preventive actions we can take as individuals include:

• Practicing physical distancing when you’re around people who have cough and colds
• Masking up when you need to be around people who are sick
• Regularly washing your hands
• Letting more fresh air into your home by opening your windows, doors, or switching on your exhaust fans

Hsu was best known for her portrayal of Shan Cai in the Taiwanese drama Meteor Garden, which is believed to have propelled Asian novelas to widespread viewership across many neighboring countries, like the Philippines. 

The late actress is survived by her husband, daughter, and son. – Rappler.com