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Dec 18, 2017 · The short and morbid answer is that in most cases the body kills itself by trying to heal itself. “Dying from the flu is not like dying from a bullet or a black widow spider bite,”...
- Overview
- How do people die from the flu?
- Who is most at risk for dying from the flu?
- How to prevent complications from the flu
- The bottom line
Most people who have the flu recover within a week. Some people, like young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems, may be at risk of dying from the flu.
Seasonal flu is a viral infection that tends to start spreading in the fall and hits its peak during the winter months. It can continue into the springtime — even into May — and tends to dissipate in the summer months. While most cases of the flu resolve on their own, the flu can become life threatening if complications like pneumonia arise alongside it.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there were a record-high 61,100 flu deaths in the United States in the 2017-2018 season.
However, it’s difficult to accurately track how many cases of the flu each year lead to death from complications. States aren’t required to report flu diagnoses in adults to the CDC, so it’s likely that adult deaths associated with flu go under-reported.
People often mistake the flu for a bad cold since flu symptoms mimic a cold. When you catch the flu, you might experience coughing, sneezing, runny nose, hoarse voice, and a sore throat.
But flu can progress into conditions like pneumonia or worsen other chronic issues like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and congestive heart failure, which can quickly become life threatening.
Flu can directly lead to death when the virus triggers severe inflammation in the lungs. When this happens, it can cause rapid respiratory failure because your lungs can’t transport enough oxygen into the rest of your body.
The flu can also cause your brain, heart, or muscles to become inflamed. This can lead to sepsis, an emergency condition that can be fatal if not immediately treated.
If you develop a secondary infection while you have the flu, that can also cause your organs to fail. The bacteria from that infection can get into your bloodstream and cause sepsis, as well.
In adults, symptoms of life threatening flu complications include:
Children under age 5 (especially children under 2) and adults 65 and over are at the highest risk of developing severe complications from the flu, being hospitalized, and dying. Other people at high risk of dying from flu include:
•children 18 and under who are taking aspirin- or salicylate-based medications
•women who are pregnant or are less than two weeks postpartum
•anyone who experiences chronic illness
•people who have compromised immune systems
•people living in long-term care, assisted living facilities, or nursing homes
People who are sick with the flu can lower their chances of developing complications by being extra vigilant of the symptoms they’re experiencing. For example, feeling short of breath isn’t a normal symptom of the flu.
If you have the flu and continue to get worse instead of better, that’s a good indication it’s time to see your doctor.
Flu symptoms should only last a week, and you should be able to alleviate them through treatment at home. Taking over-the-counter medications for fever, body aches, and congestion should be effective. However, that’s not always the case.
While most viruses run their course on their own, you shouldn’t try to wait out symptoms that get more and more severe. Full recovery from flu sometimes requires medical attention, as well as plenty of fluids and rest.
While the flu usually isn’t life threatening, it’s better to be on the safe side.
You can take measures to protect yourself against the flu, like thoroughly washing your hands with warm, soapy water. Avoid touching your mouth, eyes, or nose, especially when you’ve been out in public during flu season.
Your best chance at preventing the flu is by getting a flu vaccine every year, at any time during flu season.
Some years it’s more effective than others, but it never hurts to have an extra layer of protection against what proves to be a life threatening illness for thousands of people every year. Every year, up to four strains are included in the vaccine.
Getting the flu vaccine also helps protect the people you love from catching the flu from you. While you might be healthy, you could catch the flu and unwittingly pass it on to an immunocompromised person.
The CDC recommends flu vaccines for everyone older than 6 months. Currently, there are injectable forms of the vaccine as well as an inhaled nasal spray.
Is the flu deadly? It can be. Influenza puts stress on your body and can lead to serious conditions like pneumonia. But a flu vaccine can reduce its severity.
Jan 22, 2018 · Influenza virus can kill people very quickly, with a cytokine storm, organ damage and the worsening of existing diseases, doctors say.
- Senior Health Writer
Jan 10, 2024 · Influenza is commonly called the flu, but it's different from the stomach "flu" viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. Most people with the flu get better on their own. But sometimes, influenza and its complications can be deadly.
Mar 22, 2024 · Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. The best way to prevent flu is by getting a flu vaccine each year.
Oct 20, 2022 · They estimated that seasonal flu caused 200,000 to 400,000 cardiovascular deaths globally each year, with an average of 300,000.5. On the map, you can see the estimates of flu mortality from respiratory diseases shown as a rate per 100,000 people among people over 65.6.
