Dr. Sirichai Saengngammongkhol , our specialist in pulmonary medicine and pulmonary critical care medicine at Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, shares that the severity of influenza depends on an individual’s immunity. People who have low immune system such as children, older adults, pregnant women as well as people with chronic diseases such as kidney diseases, diabetes and cancer, when having influenza, they are at higher risk of complications such as pneumonia and infection of the middle ear. Lung inflammation or “Pneumonia” is a consequent condition caused by influenza virus entering the body through the respiratory system. The severity of the disease varies from person to person. The elderlies with low immune system are more at risk of complications from pneumonia, conditions such as infection in the bloodstream or respiratory failure carry 50 % fatality rate. These are the reasons for pneumonia in older people is far more dangerous than in general people.
“Pneumonia is developed in a period of 3 – 4 days after the illness has started. The main symptoms are coughing, changes of sputum color, shortness of breath, pain in the chest, exhaustion and high-grade fever. These symptoms indicate complications other than an ordinary flu. The common symptoms of pneumonia in elderlies are alteration of consciousness or confusion which may or may not follow fever episodes or coughing.”
Dr. Sirichai also shares that if a patient is suspected of having lung infections, the doctor will investigate by chest x-ray examination and blood tests. The sputum is also collected for a so-called culture and sensitivity test to find out what type of bacteria may cause this pneumonia. The results will lead to the appropriate treatments. The influenza can be resolved by itself with a proper rest, however, the presence of high fever, difficult and painful breathing, loss of appetite, you should come to see a doctor as soon as possible. Normal people can be self-treating by using antipyretic drugs from a pharmacy but for the elderlies or people with underlying diseases can take longer time to recover and at the same time, running more risks of having complications.
Some types of pneumonia are caused by bacterial infection and require oral or injection antibiotics. The treatments also depend of the severity of the infection. Normally, the patients will improve within 2-3 days after receiving the antibiotics. For viral pneumonias, the treatments are supportive with lots of rest and good hydration. However, elderly patients or ones with underlying diseases should be hospitalized for closer observation to prevent or early detect complications.
“We can reduce the risks of influenza by once-a-year vaccination. The reason for this rather frequent vaccination is mainly because that the strains of influenza virus change all the time. Dr. Sirichai emphasizes that all people should receive this influenza vaccination once a year and for people over 50, IPD vaccination to prevent pneumococcus pneumonia is also recommended. This IPD vaccine requires 2 injections with one year interval to have a long term protection.
In addition, the prevention of influenza and pneumonia is still the priority. Enough rest and avoiding close contacts with people with influenza are the keys. Moreover, frequent hand washing also help to prevent contracting the illness along with regular exercises and proper diets.
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For an appointment or more information, please contact :
Chest & Respiratory Department, Bangkok Hospital Hua Hin, ground floor Tel. 032-616-880
