TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Pulmonologist Su Yi-feng (蘇一峰) from Taipei City Hospital's Yang Ming Branch (台北市立聯合醫院陽明院區) emphasized on Monday (Feb. 3) the importance of Taiwan's accessible medical care, especially in treating severe flu cases. He noted that Taiwanese doctors can fully utilize intubation or ECMO to save lives when flu complications arise.
Barbie Hsu (徐熙媛), a well-known actress, tragically passed away in Japan during the Lunar New Year holiday due to flu-related pneumonia. Su highlighted that the inconvenience of foreign medical care and the exhaustion from travel might weaken immunity, leading to delayed medical attention and increased risk of severe illness. This year's flu season has been particularly severe, prompting Su to urge the public to vaccinate for safety.
Su pointed out that individuals with low body weight face a higher risk of severe infections. Research indicates that those with a BMI below 18-19 are three to four times more likely to die from pneumonia and infectious diseases. Following Hsu's death, many rushed to get flu vaccines, fearing severe complications.
He warned that severe flu symptoms, such as shortness of breath and deteriorating consciousness, often appear within a week of onset and are more crucial indicators than fever. The doctor advised immediate medical attention if breathing difficulties arise to prevent the condition from worsening.