critical symptoms of pneumonia
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Doctor Reveals Life-Saving Signs of Pneumonia Amid Alarming Flu Surge in Hospitals

An NHS doctor has issued an urgent reminder about the critical symptoms of pneumonia and the alarming statistic that one in ten patients admitted to the hospital with the condition do not survive. With over 5,000 flu patients requiring hospital care daily, the NHS is grappling with a severe wave of cases.

Recent data underscores the crisis. NHS Scotland reported nearly four times as many flu-related deaths in the first week of this year compared to the same period last year. Similarly, NHS England revealed a 21% rise in hospitalized flu patients last week, with 5,408 people occupying beds, including 256 in critical care.

Carrie Johnson, wife of former Prime Minister Boris Johnson, shared her own battle with flu and pneumonia after being hospitalized for almost a week due to a chest infection. In an Instagram post, she described her ongoing recovery, stating, “It could take another few weeks until I feel like myself again,” while praising NHS staff as “the best people on earth.” She strongly urged others to get the flu jab, reports Surrey Live.

TV doctor Mark Porter, known for appearances on BBC Breakfast and Good Morning Britain, offered valuable advice on spotting pneumonia. Writing in The Times, he explained that flu can lead to severe complications, particularly impacting the respiratory system.

Citing Japanese research, Dr Porter noted that 1 in 300 flu infections can develop into pneumonia, with older individuals at higher risk. He warned: “The odds of recovery vary with the individual and the cause of their pneumonia. About one in ten requiring hospital admission will not survive, rising to one in three for those needing intensive care.”

Highlighting the warning signs of pneumonia, Dr Porter urged vigilance:
“New shortness of breath, especially noticeable at rest, should always raise concerns. Chest pain, particularly when taking a deep breath, coughing up blood-tinged phlegm, or a resting heart rate consistently over 100 in adults are all red flags.”

He also explained that while fevers (38.5°C or higher) are common with pneumonia, flu can also cause high temperatures, muddying the diagnostic process.

Dr Porter emphasized the importance of early detection, as secondary chest infections and pneumonia can often be effectively treated with antibiotics at home. He urged the public to get vaccinated against flu, particularly those with pre-existing conditions that increase the risk of complications. This critical advice comes amid one of the worst flu seasons in recent years, as healthcare systems work to manage the surge.

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