How is the flu harmful?

Answer 1

Like other influenza viruses, it attacks the respiratory system. It causes the tissues to become inflamed and actually enters some of the cells of the host animal to cause them to reproduce the virus and stop working for the host. Then as the replicated virus particles are released from inside the cell, they split open the cell to get out and the cell is killed in the process.

The most harmful condition it can cause in an otherwise healthy adult, is secondary pneumonia which can be a critical condition. Also when too many cells are infected and killed, the body must recover from the loss of function of those cells. There can be stress on the kidneys trying to rid the body of the dead cells and excess proteins and other by-products of the infectious disease. Secondary infections such as bacterial or viral pneumonia can result in respiratory failure, septicemia (infection in the blood and whole body), and even death. Many worse problems can occur in those at higher risk for complications with underlying disease, etc. [see more on that in related questions below]

Luckily, the new virus was a relatively mild infection for most people, so the Death Rate was lower than initially feared by epidemiologists.

Answer 2

Influenza viruses kill approximately 36,000 people in the US each year. The flu causes high fever which can in turn cause dehydration and resulting organ failure. The flu attacks the respiratory system and can progress to a secondary viral or bacterial pneumonia which can be deadly as well. The flu also can cause severe respiratory failure in extreme cases, requiring mechanical ventilation (ventilator) use and oxygen to survive. Most people without any underlying disease have mild symptoms from most forms of seasonal flu. Some types of flu are more severe than others, but usually all types can be deadly enough with serious complications of underlying disease or pregnancy, from direct effects on the respiratory system, and from dehydration or secondary infections, that the risk of complications of the flu is much greater than any perceived or actual risks from getting preventive vaccinations.

Answer 3

Yes flu is harmful.it makes the body weak and more and more disease can be seen if flu not treated in time.