Actress' death casts spotlight on flu risk

The sudden death of a renowned Taiwan actress has once again sounded the alarm on the life-threatening risks of influenza for vulnerable groups and people with preexisting illnesses, medical experts said.

Barbie Hsu — also known as "Big S" — who was famous for her leading role in the 2001 television drama Meteor Garden, died of flu-induced pneumonia during a recent family holiday in Japan, her younger sister Dee Hsu said in a statement released through her agent on Monday.

"She may have underestimated the severity of the flu," said Li Tongzeng, chief physician at the infectious disease department of Beijing YouAn Hospital, in a social media post on Monday evening. "People with underlying health conditions should receive antiviral treatment promptly after contracting the virus, get adequate rest, closely monitor their condition and seek hospitalization at the first signs of severe symptoms."

Barbie Hsu, 48, was believed to have had a history of heart disease, asthma and epilepsy. At the time of her visit, Japan was experiencing a surge in flu cases, local media reported.

"Implementing these preventive measures can be more challenging while traveling abroad," Li said. "Therefore, it is crucial to remind people with chronic illnesses that even at a young age, they are at risk of severe complications."

According to the latest influenza diagnosis and treatment guidelines released by China's top health authority, high-risk groups include children under age 5, adults 65 and older, cancer patients, people with obesity, pregnant or postpartum women, and individuals with chronic respiratory, cardiovascular, kidney or liver diseases.

"Close attention should be paid to these individuals," the guidelines said. "They should undergo nucleic acid tests and other necessary examinations, and receive antiviral treatment as soon as possible."

Ma Yanliang, chief physician at the respiratory and critical care department of Peking University People's Hospital, said in a social media post on Tuesday that influenza is significantly more dangerous than the common cold and causes 200,000 to 500,000 deaths globally each year.

"Flu infections can rapidly worsen chronic diseases, trigger inflammation and immune responses and even lead to heart failure, acute asthma attacks, diabetic ketoacidosis and other severe complications," she said.

Ma advised high-risk individuals to adopt strict personal protective measures and seek professional medical treatment without delay.