Beware Of The Cause Of Barbie Hsu's Death, Influenza Until The End Of Pneumonia

Barbie Hsu (Instagram @barbiehsu.fp)

JAKARTA - Actress Barbie Hsu, who played Dong Shanchai in the Meteor Garden (2001) series, died at the age of 48. Barbie Hsu died of pneumonia after contracting influenza. Barbie Hsu contracted influenza while on vacation celebrating Chinese New Year with her family in Japan. Barbie Hsu's cause of death was confirmed directly by her younger brother, Dee Hsu on Monday, February 3.

The news of Barbie Hsu's death first spread online on Sunday, February 2. This news also strengthens after her ex-husband, Wang Xiaofei, reportedly changed his profile photo on his social media platform to black.

"Thank you all for your attention! During the New Year holidays, our entire family went to Japan. My best and most dear sister, Xiyuan, died of pneumonia due to the flu," read the statement, quoted from the CNA page on Monday, February 3.

"I am grateful to have become his sister in this life, to have cared for each other and accompanied him. I will always be grateful to him and will miss him forever. Shan rest in peace! Always love you together, remember forever," he continued.

So how can influenza become pneumonia?

Reporting from the American Lung Associateton page, influenza (flu) is a highly contagious viral infection and is one of the most severe diseases during winter. Influenza spreads easily from person to person, usually when someone is infected with coughs or sneezing.

Meanwhile, pneumonia is a serious infection or inflammation in the lungs. The air bag in the lungs is filled with pus and other fluids, which prevent oxygen from reaching the bloodstream. If the oxygen levels in the blood are too low, the body's cells cannot function properly. This can cause death.

Influenza is one of the common causes of pneumonia, especially in young children, the elderly, pregnant women, or people with certain chronic health conditions, as well as those living in nursing homes.

Most cases of flu do not cause pneumonia, but if they do, pneumonia due to the flu tends to be more severe and at fatal risk. In fact, flu and pneumonia were the cause of death 8 in the United States in 2016.

For influenza and some types of pneumonia, there are vaccines that can provide protection, although none are 100 percent effective.

Since the flu strain changes every year, flu vaccination needs to be done every season to protect against the latest strain. Meanwhile, pneumonia vaccines are usually only needed once, although in some cases, booster doses may be recommended. Consult with healthcare providers to ensure that vaccinations are updated and to find out if you need additional vaccines.