Taiwanese superstar Barbie Hsu’s shocking death shines the spotlight on this common yet potentially fatal disease.
When we think of influenza, or more commonly known as the flu, we don’t get too worried. We think of it as something that goes away pretty quickly after a few days of rest, drinking lots of water, and taking some over-the-counter medicines. While it may be true, that’s not always the case.
The shocking news that broke last February 3 proves this point. At only 48 years old, Taiwanese superstar Barbie Hsu died after contracting influenza while traveling in Japan. The flu reportedly triggered pneumonia which then took her life, per a report on the South China Morning Post.
Related story: Barbie Hsu’s passing hits harder than I expected
When can a simple flu turn to something potentially fatal? The POST talked to Vince Elic S. Maullon, MD, a pediatrician at the UP-Philippine General Hospital, to help us understand influenza better so we can keep it from being life threatening.
Related story: Gut health? Five fascinating facts about our gastrointestinal tract and how to keep it healthy
What are its symptoms?
The flu, according to Dr. Maullon, is a highly-contagious disease caused by seasonal influenza virus strains. “There are numerous types of influenza viruses,” he explains, adding that these “rapidly undergo mutation yearly, leading to the development of various strains targeted by our annual flu vaccinations.”
Dr. Maullon says that its symptoms are pretty non-specific and can include fever, dry cough, sore throat, colds, headaches, muscle pain, generalized weakness, and a loss of appetite. “Gastrointestinal upset may also present, in the form of nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea,” he adds.
These symptoms appear around one to three days after being exposed to someone with influenza, and for the most part, “only symptomatic and supportive treatment is needed.”
When can a “simple flu” turn deadly? Who are at risk?
Dr. Maullon explains that despite it being a self-limiting disease—or those which resolve spontaneously without treatment or intervention—influenza may result in life-threatening or fatal complications for those in high-risk groups. “These include children younger than 2 years of age, pregnant women, the elderly, those with comorbidities (like asthma, heart disease, and obesity), and immunocompromised individuals,” he says.
For these groups, he further explains that influenza may rapidly turn into pneumonia, meningitis or encephalitis, and may even predispose the patient to superimposed bacterial infections. In severe cases, he says, pneumonia may progress to a deadly condition called acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS), where the lung is overwhelmed with inflammation, leading to respiratory failure.
Related story: Kate Middleton, cancer, and how to tell your young kids if you’re diagnosed with it
With this, we can make better sense of Hsu’s death who, according to various reports, had a history of epilepsy and heart disease and was previously hospitalized due to seizures.
While it’s no good to panic, it helps to be more informed and more vigilant, especially since the flu is quite common. Per the World Health Organization, there are around a billion cases of seasonal influenza annually, including 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness. It causes 290,000–650,000 respiratory deaths annually, and 99% of deaths in children under five years of age with influenza-related lower respiratory tract infections in developing countries.
Here in the Philippines, over 480,000 people contract influenza annually, according to a 2020 study by Dr. Lulu Bravo, Dr. Salvacion Gatchalian, and Dr. Imelda Mateo. From January 1 to 18, 2025, alone, the Department of Health logged 5,789 cases. This is 54% lower, though, than 12,620 cases during the same period last year, which is a bit of good news.
Related story: Give your heart some lovin’—eight tips for a heart-healthy lifestyle
How do we protect ourselves from the flu?
Like with any other infectious disease, Dr. Maullon says, it is imperative to practice standard infection precautions to limit the transmission of influenza viruses. “The virus may be transmitted through direct contact or through the airborne route, proper handwashing, mask wearing when sick, and staying home when sick is recommended,” he explains.
Dr. Maullon emphasizes that vaccination is of utmost importance as well. The Pediatric Infectious Disease Society of the Philippines (PIDSP) recommends in its 2025 Immunization Guidelines the initiation of influenza vaccination at 6 months of age, then annually. The vaccines are preferably given in February to effectively cover for the year’s circulating influenza strains, but flu vaccines may be given anytime throughout the year, he clarifies.
“In the case that we unfortunately catch the flu, we can keep it from being life-threatening by ensuring adequate rest and fluid intake, as well as seeking a consultation with a licensed physician, most especially when you are part of a high-risk group.”
Related story: As if we needed another reason to love coffee, science now says it may lower the risk of diabetes
