NHS doctor’s ‘red flags’ for flu pneumonia after Carrie Johnson hospitalised

NHS Doctor Highlights Flu Pneumonia Risks After Carrie Johnson’s Hospitalization

An NHS doctor warns about pneumonia signs following Carrie Johnson’s hospitalization due to flu complications

Health

Carrie Johnson, NHS, Pneumonia, Flu, Boris Johnson, UK

London: An NHS doctor recently shared some important signs to watch for when it comes to pneumonia. This comes after Carrie Johnson, Boris Johnson’s wife, was hospitalized due to complications from the flu. It’s pretty alarming to hear that one in ten people admitted to the hospital with pneumonia don’t make it.

Reports show that the NHS is seeing a surge in serious cases, with over 5,000 people needing hospital care daily. Just this week, NHS Scotland noted that flu-related deaths have nearly quadrupled compared to last year. In England, the average number of flu patients in beds was over 5,400, with a significant number in critical care.

After spending nearly a week in the hospital, Carrie shared on Instagram that she’s still recovering and it might take a few more weeks before she feels like herself again. She took a moment to thank the NHS staff, calling them “the best people on earth,” and urged everyone to get their flu shots.

Dr. Mark Porter, a well-known TV doctor, chimed in with advice on what to look out for if pneumonia develops. He mentioned that flu can lead to serious complications, and it’s the respiratory issues that often cause the most trouble.

He pointed out that research from Japan found that about 1 in 300 flu cases turn into pneumonia, especially in older folks. The chances of recovery can vary, but if someone ends up in the hospital, the odds aren’t great—about one in ten may not survive, and it’s even worse for those needing intensive care.

Dr. Porter emphasized that flu can make people feel really awful, which makes it tough to spot serious symptoms. He mentioned that a cough isn’t always a good indicator of how bad things are. For instance, a child with pneumonia might just have a nagging dry cough.

He listed some red flags to watch for: new shortness of breath, chest pain when taking a deep breath, coughing up blood, or a resting heart rate over 100 beats per minute. Fever can also be a sign, but flu can cause high temperatures too, which complicates things.

He advised that if pneumonia is caught early, many cases can be treated with antibiotics at home, leading to a good outcome. But it’s crucial to stay alert, especially if you have existing health issues. And of course, getting a flu vaccination is a smart move.

Image Credits and Reference: https://www.bristolpost.co.uk/news/health/nhs-doctors-red-flags-flu-9860810