The flu, which is often seen among the public as a simple disease that can be overcome in a few days, can lead to serious consequences, especially in risk groups. Atabay Pharmaceuticals Medical Director Specialist Dr Murat Yaycı said, “Pneumonia that occurs when the flu is not treated can cause cardiovascular problems. It can also lead to serious health problems such as influenza, encephalitis and respiratory failure.”
Atabay Pharmaceuticals Medical Director Specialist Dr Murat Yaycı said that flu is not only a short-term discomfort, but in some cases it can cause severe pictures. “Although the flu is often seen as a simple disease that can be overcome in a few days, it can lead to serious health problems and even death when left untreated,” said Dr Yaycı. Stating that there are effective antiviral drugs against the flu virus and that starting these treatments in the first days of the disease significantly shortens the recovery process, Dr Yaycı emphasised that the course of the disease may be aggravated if the treatment is delayed.
Pneumonia is one of the most important problems that can occur if the flu is not treated
Pointing out that sinusitis and otitis media are the most common problems when the flu is not treated, Murat Yaycı said: “The risk of developing otitis media after the flu is quite high, especially in babies under one year of age; this picture can be seen in about half of the cases in this age group. One of the most serious problems that can occur after the flu is pneumonia (pneumonia). Pneumonia can sometimes be caused directly by the flu virus, and sometimes by the addition of bacterial infections that develop as a result of the weakening of the immune system. In this case, most patients need to be followed up in hospital.”
Early treatment is vital
Murat Yaycı pointed out that problems related to the cardiovascular system occur in approximately one quarter of patients who develop pneumonia after the flu . Stating that cardiovascular problems include heart attack, heart muscle inflammation and vascular occlusions, Yaycı said, “In addition, influenza can lead to serious health problems such as encephalitis and respiratory failure . These severe complications are more common in infants, the elderly, pregnant women, obese individuals and people with chronic conditions such as asthma or heart disease. Early treatment is therefore vital. Starting antiviral treatment as soon as flu symptoms appear prevents the progression of the disease and prevents fatal consequences.”
