Raising concerns about the potentially life-threatening effects of the illness, an infectious disease expert has warned of the severe complications of the flu following the sudden passing of Meteor Garden actress Barbie Hsu.
The death of the Taiwanese actress, beloved across Asia for her iconic portrayal of “Shancai” in the Meteor Garden television series, has put a spotlight on the dangers of influenza.
Doctor Edsel Salvana, an infectious disease expert and a member of the Department of Health’s (DOH) Scientific Advisory Group of Experts for Emerging and Re-Emerging Infectious Diseases (EREID-SAGE), stressed that while most flu cases resolve without complications, the virus can escalate into severe pneumonia, particularly in individuals with underlying health conditions.
“How can someone die from the flu? While most people recover from a bout of influenza, some people develop a bad pneumonia like what unfortunately happened with Barbie Hsu, may she rest in peace,” Salvana said in a Facebook post.
He noted that if Hsu had pre-existing health issues, her risk of developing viral pneumonia would have been higher.
“If she had other comorbid conditions (there are reports she was in poor health), she would have had a higher risk of developing viral pneumonia,” he explained.
According to Salvana, even if the flu virus itself does not directly cause pneumonia, it can leave the immune system weakened, making patients vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections.
“Even if the flu virus doesn’t end up causing a pneumonia, you can develop a post-viral bacterial pneumonia because your immune system and your lungs get beaten up by the virus,” he said.
The infectious disease expert emphasized that elderly individuals and those with weakened immune systems are at higher risk of developing severe pneumonia from the flu.
“To these people, it isn’t JUST the flu, it can be life-threatening illness!” Salvana warned.
Flu-related pneumonia
The infectious disease expert said flu itself may not always be the direct cause of death, but its ability to weaken the immune system makes it particularly dangerous.
Salvana noted that severe cases can lead to complications such as viral pneumonia, bacterial pneumonia, or even multi-organ failure.
He added that high-risk groups include the elderly, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic illnesses such as diabetes or heart disease.
Salvana stressed that one of the most effective ways to prevent severe flu complications is through vaccination, underscoring the importance of getting a flu shot annually.
“Get your flu shot - it doesn’t always prevent the flu but it decreases the risk of a bad pneumonia and ending up in the ICU or worse,” he said.
The doctor also advised wearing masks in crowded places during flu season, especially for high-risk individuals.
“Wear a mask during flu season and in crowded areas, especially if you are high risk,” he added.
Vaccine’s role
While flu vaccines do not guarantee full immunity, they significantly lower the risk of severe illness and hospitalization, Salvana explained.
He also highlighted the importance of pneumococcal vaccination, which protects against bacterial pneumonia.
“Everyone should consider taking the flu shot every year. The pneumonia shot for Pneumococcal pneumonia is part of the childhood vaccination series, but is also given to adults,” he said.
The infectious disease expert noted that different countries have varying recommendations on the appropriate age for pneumococcal vaccination, but it is generally advised for older adults and individuals with certain medical conditions.
“It is generally for older people, different countries have different ages where they recommend it. It can be given earlier in people with certain immunocompromising conditions as well,” he explained.
Salvana said adults typically need “up to two shots of the pneumonia vaccine as an adult, although newer vaccines with more strains are coming out so this may change. Talk to your doctor for specific advice.”
Wake-up call
Hsu’s death serves as a stark reminder that influenza is not a trivial illness.
Per Salvana, public health experts have long advocated for annual flu vaccinations, particularly for high-risk individuals, but vaccine hesitancy remains a challenge.
“Vaccines and masking up aren’t 100 percent effective, but both of these significantly decrease the risk of severe disease and may be the difference between life and death. Stay safe!” he said.
As the world mourns the loss of Barbie Hsu, her passing underscores a critical public health message: the flu is not “just the flu”—it can be deadly.