Beyond the flu symptoms, what actually causes death?
In addition to compromising the lungs, the flu can impair organ function across the body. That’s why people with underlying heart and kidney disease are so vulnerable to the flu, says William Schaffner, a professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine. The flu can damage the lungs and lead to bacterial pneumonia, which can be deadly. Pneumonia causes many of the 200,000 hospitalizations due to flu each year, as well as many of the 36,000 annual deaths. What should I do to keep from getting the flu? First and most important: wash your hands. Try to stay in good general health. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food. Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated with the flu virus. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Sources: CDC; USA Today; New York Times [Last modified: May 04, 2009 06:06 PM] Click here for reuse options! Copyright 2009 St. Petersburg Times Click here to post a comment If you s
