by Charles Simmins

Created on: February 02, 2009   Last Updated: February 19, 2009

Flu is a killer. In past epidemics in the United States, as many as 5% of those with the disease have died. Public Health officials estimate that about 36,000 people die each year in the U.S. from the flu and related illnesses.

In temperate climates like the United States, influenza is seasonal. Beginning in November and running until March of the following year, influenza cases multiply. In more tropical climes, influenza is seen year round.

Influenza itself kills only a few. It does open the door for related illnesses, primarily pneumonia, and those are the real killers. The CDC is now using a category called "influenza and pneumonia related illness".

The symptoms of the flu vary from individual to individual but usually include high fever, respiratory symptoms, muscle aches and extreme fatigue. Those most at risk from complications and death are those with immune system issues, children, the elderly, pregnant women and those with chronic illnesses. The increased stress on the body can worsen chronic illnesses, and the respiratory symptoms can turn in to bacterial pneumonia.

About 200,000 people are hospitalized each year for influenza. About ten percent of them are children under 5.

The high fever and the vomiting / diarrhea that can occur with the flu dehydrate the sick person, and prevent taking daily medicines. These symptoms and the patient's reaction to them often aggravate chronic illnesses such as diabetes and heart disease. The respiratory symptoms of influenza affect those with pre-existing lung problems such as COPD and asthma.

Bacterial pneumonia is a killer complication. Influenza weakens the body and the pneumonia simply overwhelms the remaining natural defenses. The elderly are especially at risk since their lungs are usually weakened by age and pre-existing conditions such as smoking.

Those who contract pneumonia will be treated with antibiotics and given supportive care, such as oxygen and IV's. The lung damage interferes with the body's ability to take in oxygen and that cause other problems in the heart and brain. Confusion, dizziness and loss of previously existing muscle functions may result. In nursing homes, a fall is often the first sign of pneumonia.

Influenza vaccines are available each year. They are the most effective method of preventing seasonal influenza.

There is a pneumonia vaccine which will prevent some bacterial pneumonia. That is given once, but may require a booster shot after ten years.

A yearly flu shot and a one-time pneumonia vaccine will go a long ways to preventing death from influenza. Those in the "at risk" categories are strongly urged to take advantage of these protective measures. Remember, people die from the flu.

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