Why are so many people dying from the flu this year? Infectious disease doctor explains why the deadly virus is hitting some harder than others
Some people may be more susceptible to the flu than others due to pre-existing conditions, infection and genes
Those with a weakened immune system, such as pregnant women, may have a more difficult time fighting off the flu
If you have previously been exposed to the flu, your body’s immune system may have a remembered response on how to rid itself of the virus
While the flu mostly kills people over 65 and infants, scores of healthy, young people have died including more than 30 children
By KAYLA BRANTLEY
DAILYMAIL.COM
25 January 2018
This year’s flu season is devastating the US with thousands of Americans hospitalized and hundreds dead.
While the virus often kills infants and elderly, this year’s victims include a 27-year-old college graduate, a 40-year-old mother-of-three, and a 10-year-old hockey player.
Many of them died within days of showing symptoms, and some had even received the flu shot.
With three months remaining, and a shortage of flu shots, many are panicking about the aggressive H3N2 strain, and wondering their risk of death – flu shot or not.
An infectious disease specialist explained some people – even unusual suspects – are more susceptible to being killed by this year’s aggressive strain of flu than others.
Speaking to Daily Mail Online, she broke down the many areas for concern – pre-existing conditions, an overworked immune system and co-infection with other bacteria – and how to protect yourself.
With so many seemingly healthy, young people dying from the flu this season their deaths remain a mystery and she says further investigation will have to determine what exactly made them to succumb to the flu.
While the flu is common and typically leaves people suffering a fever and body aches that pass after a week, others have died within days of first falling ill.
Infants and people over 65 are most-commonly killed by the virus due to a weakened immune system from aging and babies under six months being ineligible to get vaccinated.
However, this season has seen more than 30 children die of the flu, according to the CDC.
Dr Angela Tonozzi, Director of Infectious Disease and Prevention at Aurora Health Care, explained to Daily Mail Online that each case is unique, however those with pre-existing conditions, such as pregnancy, infection or asthma, can be affected far more severely.
‘The virus is the most inhospitable guest you can imagine. It takes over your own body’s response of what it’s supposed to do and it sets up shop for its own outcomes,’ she said.
The most common H3N2 strain of the virus, dubbed the ‘Aussie flu’, is responsible for the devastating 2014 season and has been infecting thousands this year.
However the H1N1 strain and B viruses are expected to emerge in the next few weeks.
The Rest…HERE
