INFLUENZA PNEUMONIA - TREATMENT

Question:
What are the complications of influenza?

Answer:
In the United States more than 35,000 deaths and 200,000 hospitalizations due to influenza occur annually, and the number is increasing. Children aged less than 1 year and adults aged more than 65 years, pregnant woman, and people of any age with co-morbid illnesses are at highest risk. Young children may suffer otitis media, gastrointestinal discomfort or croup due to influenza in addition to flu like symptoms. Infection of the respiratory tract can lead to pneumonia, bronchiolitis. Affection of the heart can lead to myocarditis and pericarditis. It can also lead to myositis. Influenza complications usually arise from bacterial infections of the lower respiratory tract. Influenza may increase the risk for death in people with existing heart, lung, or circulation disorders.

Pneumonia is the major serious complication of influenza. This can be viral pneumonia, in which the influenza virus itself spreads into the lungs, or bacterial pneumonia, in which unrelated bacteria (such as pneumococci) attack the person's weakened defenses. In both cases, the person may have a worsened cough, difficulty breathing, persistent or recurring fever, and sometimes bloody sputum. Children under 1 years old have a very high risk, not only for pneumonia but also for other complications, including meningitis and encephalitis (inflammations in central nervous system). Annual vaccination is the cornerstone of prevention.