HATTIESBURG, Miss. — Doctors are urging patients to get vaccinated against influenza before flu activity begins climbing this fall, warning that while most cases can be managed at home, the virus can create dangerous openings for life-threatening complications like pneumonia in more severe cases.

Dr. Samuel Twedt of the Hattiesburg Clinic said most patients can manage flu symptoms without needing to see a doctor, but stressed the importance of recognizing when symptoms cross into more serious territory. "Most cases of the flu can be pushed through with Tylenol, Motrin and aggressive fluids like water or Gatorade for electrolytes. But if you're feeling very, very ill, having difficulty breathing or feeling very faint, I advise you to be seen," Twedt said.

Twedt identified pneumonia as one of the most serious risks tied to influenza infection, explaining the underlying mechanism by which the flu virus can leave patients vulnerable to secondary bacterial infections. "The influenza virus can just wreak havoc on your immune system. It creates this huge immune cascade that weakens your immune system temporarily. Opportunistic bacteria like Mycoplasma, Streptococcus and Klebsiella, among a whole bunch of others, can use that opportunity to cause an infection. Because your immune system is already weakened, it can be very, very aggressive and life-threatening," Twedt said. "Pneumonia is the most common cause of death from influenza."

Twedt and........

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