The silent killer: Influenza Pneumonia
took Shan Cai’s Life
The world mourns the untimely passing of Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, best known for her iconic role as Shan Cai in the 2001 hit drama Meteor Garden. At 48, Shan Cai succumbed to pneumonia caused by influenza during a family trip to Japan.
There are two main types of Influenza virus. These types cause seasonal flu in humans, the influenza A and influenza B; with influenza A being more aggressive and capable of of causing pandemics, while influenza B typically leads to less severe symptoms and outbreaks.
Influenza A can mutate and eva de immune response causing pandemic. This mutation is called antigenic shift.
An example of antigenic shift in influenza A was observed after World War 1. This was known as the Spanish flu. Spanish flu, a devastating mutation of influenza A, infected 500 million people and claimed 50 million lives, surpassing the death toll of World War 1.
Another notable mutation of influenza A, H1N1 triggered the 2009 pandemic resulting in approximately 150,000 deaths World Wide.
In the Philippines, flu season coincides with the rainy season, which lasts from June to November. To ensure optimal protection, it is recommended to receive the flu vaccine at least two months before the season begins.
While there is no public information confirming whether Shan Cai received a flu vaccine, it is scientifically proven that annual flu vaccination significantly reduces the risk of contracting the flu and can save lives.