Patients with influenza experience rapid respiratory failure, with bilateral lung white patches.

SKĐS - A patient with seasonal influenza experienced particularly severe symptoms, significantly increasing the risk of death in patients with weakened immune systems.

Patient TTH (35 years old, Phu Tho province ) has a complex underlying condition: chronic kidney failure due to lupus erythematosus, a kidney transplant 13 months ago, and has been taking immunosuppressant drugs along with lupus medication for 15 years. This group of patients has severely compromised immune systems, making them extremely vulnerable to respiratory illnesses, with seasonal influenza being a major threat.

Approximately three days before hospitalization, patient H. developed a fever, cough, and progressively worsening shortness of breath. Despite early detection of influenza and initial treatment at a primary care facility, respiratory failure progressed rapidly.

Upon transfer to the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, the patient was experiencing rapid breathing and significant respiratory muscle retraction. The SpO₂ level had dropped to only 85%.

The patient is receiving intensive treatment at the hospital. Photo: Provided by the hospital.

The patient required immediate high-flow mechanical ventilation support. The flu-like condition worsened so rapidly that at times, even with 100% oxygen set, SpO₂ only reached 80–85%.

Chest X-rays showed diffuse bilateral lesions, the typical ground-glass opacities of influenza, rapidly progressing to Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) – a serious complication commonly seen in immunocompromised individuals.

Dr. Truong Tu The Bao from the Emergency Department stated: "For patients who have to take immunosuppressant drugs for an extended period, the body is almost unable to fight off infections on its own. Any respiratory infection can progress severely in a very short time, causing respiratory failure and affecting multiple organs."

Doctors determined that patient H. had a very poor prognosis due to the widespread lung damage and the rapid progression of respiratory failure.

Based on this case, Dr. Truong Tu The Bao and Specialist Doctor II Nguyen Nguyen Huyen, Director of the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, both emphasized the importance of disease prevention:

Influenza is not a mild illness, especially for people with underlying conditions (lupus, organ transplant, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, chronic lung disease) or weakened immune systems. Severe complications can occur within 24–72 hours.

When high fever, persistent cough, increased fatigue, rapid breathing, or difficulty breathing occur, patients should be immediately examined at a facility with respiratory and infectious disease specialists for timely intervention.

For high-risk groups (people with autoimmune diseases, organ transplant recipients), annual flu vaccination is not just a recommendation but almost mandatory.

The vaccine is safe and does not affect the function of transplanted kidneys or underlying medical conditions.

Vaccination significantly reduces the risk of hospitalization, the severity of lung damage, and minimizes the progression to ARDS.

It is necessary to get a flu vaccine 4–6 weeks before the flu season to allow the body enough time to develop immunity, providing maximum protection against severe cases.

Patient H.'s case serves as a warning about the importance of proactive disease prevention, early symptom recognition, and especially maintaining full vaccination coverage. Seasonal influenza is entirely controllable, but only if high-risk groups are protected from the outset.

Source: https://suckhoedoisong.vn/benh-nhan-cum-suy-ho-hap-nhanh-phoi-trang-xoa-2-ben-169251216112204083.htm