A doctor shares vital signs to watch for when flu symptoms worsen, highlighting pneumonia risks and the importance of early detection
London: An NHS doctor has pointed out some serious signs that could mean your flu has turned into pneumonia. It’s pretty alarming to know that one in ten people admitted to the hospital with pneumonia don’t make it. Right now, the NHS is facing a tough time, with over 5,000 people needing hospital care every day.
This week, NHS Scotland reported that flu-related deaths have skyrocketed, nearly quadrupling compared to last year. In England, the average number of flu patients in beds has jumped to over 5,400 daily, with a significant rise in critical cases.
In a recent Instagram post, Carrie Johnson, the wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, shared her own battle with flu and pneumonia. She spent almost a week in the hospital and mentioned that she’s still not fully recovered. Carrie praised the NHS staff, calling them “the best people on earth,” and encouraged everyone to get their flu shots.
Dr. Mark Porter, a well-known TV doctor, has also chimed in with advice on spotting pneumonia. He explained that flu can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, which can be tricky to identify. He mentioned that older folks are at a higher risk, and the symptoms can be pretty severe already.
According to Dr. Porter, about 1 in 300 flu cases can develop into pneumonia, especially in older adults. He stressed that if someone is sick enough to be hospitalized, the chances of survival drop significantly. He also pointed out that a cough isn’t always a reliable sign of pneumonia severity.
He shared some warning signs to look out for: if you notice new shortness of breath, chest pain when breathing deeply, or coughing up blood, those are serious red flags. Also, if your resting heart rate is consistently over 100 beats per minute, that’s concerning.
Fever can also be a tricky symptom since both flu and pneumonia can cause high temperatures. Dr. Porter emphasized that catching pneumonia early can lead to effective treatment, especially for those with existing health issues. He strongly recommended getting the flu vaccine whenever possible.
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