As flu cases surge, a doctor highlights critical signs of pneumonia to help keep you safe
London: An NHS doctor is sounding the alarm about pneumonia. He shared that one in ten patients with pneumonia in hospitals don’t make it. This news follows Carrie Johnson’s hospitalization after her flu turned into pneumonia.
Right now, the NHS is overwhelmed. They’re seeing over 5,000 people needing hospital care every day. Just this week, NHS Scotland reported a huge jump in flu-related deaths compared to last year.
Last week, NHS England noted an average of 5,408 flu patients were hospitalized daily, with 256 in critical care. Carrie Johnson spent nearly a week in the hospital battling her illness. She shared her struggles on Instagram, mentioning her breathing difficulties.
In her post, she said she’s not fully recovered yet. Carrie praised NHS staff, calling them “the best people on earth.” She also urged everyone to get the flu vaccine.
After her experience, Dr. Mark Porter, a well-known TV doctor, offered advice on spotting pneumonia symptoms. He wrote in The Times that flu can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia.
Dr. Porter mentioned research from Japan showing that one in 300 flu cases leads to pneumonia, especially in older folks. He warned that recovery odds depend on the person and the pneumonia cause. If you’re hospitalized, the survival rate drops significantly.
He stressed that older adults and those with health issues face higher risks. Flu can make you feel really sick, making it hard to tell if you have a serious infection or just a bad cold.
Dr. Porter pointed out some warning signs to watch for. New shortness of breath, chest pain, or coughing up blood are serious red flags. Also, if your resting heart rate is over 100, that’s concerning.
Fever can help distinguish pneumonia from milder illnesses, but flu can also cause high temperatures. It can leave you feeling terrible and stuck in bed, which complicates things.
He emphasized that catching pneumonia early can lead to effective treatment. It’s crucial to stay alert, especially if you have existing health issues. And don’t forget to get your flu shot if you can!
