Big S died suddenly from influenza! Many people don't know how harmful influenza is.

On February 3, 2025, according to media reports, the well-known Taiwanese artist Xu Xiyuan (Big S) passed away due to influenza and pneumonia while traveling in Japan. She was 48 years old.

Later, Big S's family said, "Thank you for your concern! During the Spring Festival, our family traveled to Japan, and my dearest sister Xiyuan passed away suddenly due to influenza and pneumonia. I am grateful that I can be her sister in this life, supporting and accompanying each other. I will always remember her kindness and warmth, and may she rest in peace in heaven. Shan, have a good journey! Love you forever."

Facing this sudden incident, many fans felt grief, regret, and reluctance, but were also surprised. Why could a small flu be fatal? And it came so suddenly!

1. Why can influenza kill people even though it is not a fatal disease?

Many people think that influenza is just a cold, a minor illness that can be cured by taking some medicine. In fact, in China, 80,000 people die from influenza every year.

Compared with the common cold, influenza has a more rapid onset and is more severe. For people with underlying diseases or other high-risk factors , influenza can further aggravate the condition, causing serious complications such as respiratory failure, heart failure, and kidney failure, and even endangering life.

Pneumonia is the most common complication of influenza. The influenza virus can directly invade the lungs, causing viral pneumonia, or destroy the integrity of the respiratory mucosa, making it easier for other pathogens to invade. Therefore, influenza is mainly caused by viruses in the early stages, but may be complicated by bacterial or even fungal infections in the later stages. This infection can easily lead to death if it worsens.

The progression of influenza-related pneumonia can be very rapid, especially in high-risk groups (such as the elderly, infants, pregnant women, and patients with chronic diseases). These people have relatively weak immune systems and cannot effectively resist the invasion of viruses and bacteria. Their condition may deteriorate rapidly in a short period of time. Public reports show that Big S has been in poor health for many years, suffering from multiple underlying diseases such as heart disease and epilepsy, and has had multiple medical treatment experiences. These underlying diseases are also an important reason why she cannot resist the influenza virus.

In short, although influenza is not a fatal disease, it can serve as a relatively clear trigger, aggravating complications and leading to serious consequences.

2. These things are very important to prevent influenza!

1) For high-risk groups, it is necessary to get a flu vaccine every year

Among many preventive measures, flu vaccination is one of the most effective.

Influenza viruses change every year and are prone to new variants. Every year, the World Health Organization determines the virus strains that may be prevalent in the following year based on global monitoring results, and provides targeted guidance for the preparation of influenza vaccines. In other words, the influenza vaccine may be different every year. In addition, the immunity generated by influenza vaccination will gradually weaken over time. The latest vaccine can provide the most effective protection, so it is recommended to get the influenza vaccine every year.

China recommends that pregnant women, children aged 6 months to 5 years, the elderly aged 60 years and above, patients with chronic diseases and other high-risk groups for influenza and medical personnel be given priority for vaccination. In addition, caregivers, caregivers under 6 months old and their family members, teachers and students, people living in crowded environments (such as dormitories and prisons), and people with compromised immune systems (such as cancer patients, organ transplant recipients, and HIV/AIDS patients) should also receive influenza vaccines to obtain protection.

2) Four things to pay attention to in daily protection

Frequent ventilation and keeping indoor air circulating can quickly and effectively reduce the content of indoor pathogens.

Wear a mask and avoid crowded places with limited ventilation unless necessary. If you find yourself having respiratory symptoms, you should also wear a mask when in close contact with others or going to public areas.

Maintain good personal hygiene habits, such as washing your hands frequently, and try not to touch your eyes, mouth, and nose with unwashed hands; when coughing or sneezing, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow; do not spit anywhere.

Do a good job in cleaning and disinfection, and increase the frequency of cleaning and disinfection if necessary.

In addition, if you suspect you have the flu and feel difficulty breathing, you should go to the hospital without hesitation. You should also ensure a good rest and, if conditions permit, isolate yourself at home, which is essential for your recovery.

Finally, may Big S rest in peace.