February 28, 2025
SEOUL – This winter has brought one of the worst flu seasons in recent memory, significantly increasing the risk of pneumonia as a secondary infection. Health experts warn that influenza weakens the immune system, making it easier for bacterial infections like pneumococcal pneumonia to take hold.
Taiwanese actress Barbie Hsu, the wife of South Korean singer Koo Jun-yup, died from pneumonia after contracting influenza while on a vacation in Japan, according to local media reports.
Pope Francis was also in critical condition Saturday after experiencing a prolonged asthmatic respiratory crisis while being treated for pneumonia and a complex lung infection, the Vatican announced.
Professor Choi Chun-woong, a respiratory specialist at Kyung Hee University Hospital in Gangdong, Seoul, emphasized that pneumonia in elderly patients is particularly concerning.
“When pneumonia develops as a complication of influenza, treatment becomes more difficult, and the fatality rate rises sharply. Many cases that begin as a seasonal flu end in tragedy due to delayed diagnosis and treatment,” he said.
Pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, often filling them with fluid or pus. This condition can make it difficult to breathe and cause symptoms ranging from mild to severe, including fever, chills, cough with phlegm and chest pain.
Pneumonia can be caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi, with bacterial pneumonia, particularly Streptococcus pneumoniae, being the most common culprit. Viral pneumonia, including cases caused by influenza or COVID-19, is also a significant public health concern.
Pneumonia symptoms — including persistent fever, chills, severe coughing and chest pain — often resemble those of the flu, leading to misdiagnosis or neglect.
In some cases, symptoms may escalate to sepsis, respiratory failure or even shock. Among the elderly, pneumonia can present atypical symptoms such as fatigue, loss of appetite and confusion, making early detection even more difficult.
A silent killer
Hsu’s tragic passing has drawn renewed attention to the growing prevalence of pneumonia, particularly as South Korea continues to see a concerning rise in cases. Often mistaken for a common cold or flu, pneumonia is a serious respiratory infection that can lead to life-threatening complications.
According to Statistics Korea, pneumonia was the third leading cause of death in 2023, following cancer and heart disease. It surpassed cerebrovascular diseases such as stroke, with nearly 30,000 fatalities last year — an average of 80 deaths per day. The number of pneumonia-related deaths has surged in recent years, rising by 37 percent over the past five years, fueled in part by an aging population and post-pandemic health vulnerabilities.
It is also a leading cause of death from infectious diseases worldwide, especially among young children, older adults and those with weakened immune systems.
However, recent cases have shown that even young, seemingly healthy individuals can succumb to pneumonia. The recent death of Taiwanese actress Hsu has ignited fears that people can still die from pneumonia despite advancements in medical technology.
According to the World Health Organization, pneumonia remains a leading cause of mortality in children under five and older adults. However, early medical treatment, antibiotics (for bacterial pneumonia), antiviral medications (for viral pneumonia) and supportive care significantly improve survival rates.
How to prevent pneumonia
Pneumonia can be prevented, and the best line of defense remains vaccination. The pneumococcal vaccine significantly reduces the risk of severe bacterial pneumonia, particularly in high-risk individuals. Studies have shown that vaccinated individuals experience a 40 percent lower mortality rate compared to those who have not received the vaccine.
Regular handwashing, using hand sanitizers and covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing can prevent the spread of pneumonia-causing germs.
Early detection is also crucial. If flu-like symptoms persist beyond a week, or if high fever, intense coughing or thick yellow phlegm develop, immediate medical attention is advised. In high-risk groups, pneumonia can escalate rapidly, necessitating hospitalization and aggressive antibiotic treatment.