How does the Influenza A(H1N1) virus cause complications and death, and how can we prevent them?
Pneumonia (an inflammatory illness of the lungs) is the major serious complication of influenza virus infections, including the Influenza A(H1N1) virus. The inflammation in the lungs may cause difficulty in breathing or cause the lungs to be filled with fluid, making it difficult for the body to get enough oxygen. It can develop about 3 to 5 days after symptoms start. But it is uncommon, and usually occurs in susceptible individuals from the high-risk groups. Pneumonia can be caused by the spread of the influenza virus into the lungs, or by unrelated bacteria, which infects the lungs after a person’s immune system is weakened by the virus infection. Other complications include cardiovascular, muscular, neurological and systemic ones. Cardiac events following influenza are not uncommon. So far, about 70% of those who died due to Influenza A(H1N1) related complications had underlying medical conditions or were from other high-risk groups. However, 40% of deaths in the country are linked
