BY: VALERIE ANN DISMAYA

If you’re a fan of Meteor Garden, you probably know Barbie Hsu, more popularly known as Shan Cai.

But on Sunday, February 2, netizens mourned her passing at the age of 48.

Barbie succumbed to influenza-induced pneumonia.

But how does one contract this disease?

Pneumonia occurs when the lungs become inflamed due to an infection.

It can be caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites.

In Barbie’s case, the infection was caused by the influenza virus, which can lead to severe breathing difficulties, persistent coughing, high fever, and, in some cases, blood-tinged phlegm.

People with weakened immune systems, such as young children, the elderly, and those with chronic illnesses, are more vulnerable to infection.

If left untreated and worsened, it can lead to death.

Many of us often dismiss the flu as a minor illness.

However, when complications arise and it progresses to pneumonia, it can become life-threatening.

Severe pneumonia cases in the Philippines continue to rise, particularly during the rainy and cold seasons.

According to the Department of Health (DOH), over 5,000 Filipinos were affected by influenza-like illnesses in January 2025 alone.

Most of the affected individuals are children under five years old and senior citizens with weakened immunity.

But how is this disease transmitted?

The answer is simple, it spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

It can also be contracted from contaminated objects touched by an infected person.

This is why proper hand hygiene, wearing face masks, and avoiding crowded places are essential, especially when experiencing flu symptoms.

So, don’t ignore what seems like a simple flu, especially if it is accompanied by difficulty breathing, severe coughing, and persistent high fever.

Early medical consultation and proper precautions are key to preventing severe complications like influenza-induced pneumonia.