Unless you are Chinese, you have probably never heard of Barbie Hsu, but in the Chinese-speaking world this Taiwanese actress is famous. That world was shocked to learn of her death from influenza while on a family vacation in Japan.
Ms. Hsu was young (48), healthy, rich and treated in a country with an excellent health care system. Why did she die?
People tend to dismiss “the flu” as just another cold, and only a minority of people around the world get their annual flu shot. As of Feb 1, about 45% of Americans have received their vaccination. For younger adults, it is well under 40%.
Influenza is much worse than the run-of-the-mill winter respiratory virus. While it is not usually fatal except in infants and frail elders, Ms. Hsu’s death reminds us that even healthy people do die from influenza.
Even if you rarely die, influenza is a very nasty illness. You have a terrible cough, ache all over, and are usually sick for a week or more. In the U.S., for the 2023-24 flu season, there were 18 million flu-related medical visits, 470,000 flu-related hospitalizations, and 28,000 flu-related deaths.
This year, there have been a larger than average number of influenza cases, office visits and hospitalizations. It looks as if this will be the worst flu season since 2009-2010.
What should you do?
Get your flu shot! While far from perfect, the immunization does reduce your chance of catching influenza by about 40% and reduces your risk of being sick enough to require hospitalization by 60%. It is not too late to get the shot.
Given the surge in cases, you should also consider wearing a mask when you are in crowded indoor environments.
If you are sick, please stay home! Sharing life’s bounties is good. Sharing your respiratory virus is not.
Good hand hygiene is also important.
Remember – the life you save could be that of your best friend or favorite aunt.
Edward Hoffer MD is Associate Professor of Medicine, part-time, at Harvard.
What Does The Doctor Say?
By Dr. Edward Hoffer