A new study has identified patterns in the gradual retreats of 139 flu-related deaths.

The research, conducted by scientists at the University of California, San Francisco, found that the deaths were marked by a steady decline of symptoms, followed by a sudden resurgence just before death.

Study Details

The study analyzed data from 139 flu-related deaths that occurred in the San Francisco Bay Area between 2010 and 2018. Researchers collected information on the patients’ symptoms, hospital stays, and treatments, as well as autopsy reports.

They found that the majority of patients experienced a steady decline in symptoms once hospitalized, with influenza-like symptoms such as fever, coughing, and congestion beginning to ease after about five days of hospitalization.

However, in the days before death, patients experienced a sudden resurgence of symptoms: 80 percent developed fever, 65 percent developed coughing, and nearly half experienced a rapid decline in oxygen saturation levels.

The study also found that the majority of patients died from respiratory failure, often caused by pneumonia or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS).

More than a third of patients had also been diagnosed with an underlying health condition, such as heart disease or diabetes.

Implications for Treatment

The findings emphasize the need for vigilance in monitoring patients with severe cases of the flu and for providers to carefully evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of aggressive treatment strategies such as mechanical ventilation or antiviral medication.

The researchers suggest that the sudden resurgence of symptoms before death may indicate that a patient’s immune system is fighting back against the virus, which could offer insights into what types of treatments might be most effective.

Limitations of the Study

This study was limited to a relatively small number of flu-related deaths in one geographic area, which could limit the generalizability of the findings.

However, the results suggest that there may be important patterns in the progression of severe cases of the flu that could guide future research and treatment.

Conclusion

The new study from the University of California, San Francisco, has identified patterns in the gradual retreats of 139 flu-related deaths.

The findings suggest that patients with severe cases of the flu experience a steady decline in symptoms followed by a sudden resurgence just before death. The study highlights the need for careful monitoring of patients with severe cases of the flu and for providers to evaluate the risk-benefit ratio of aggressive treatments.