Can people die from influenza?
Yes. The virus itself can overwhelm the body’s immune system, especially in those who have poor immune function to begin with. It is more likely to cause death in young infants who have immature immune systems and fragile respiratory symptoms. It has also caused death in those between the ages of 6 months and 24 years. Many people die from “secondary infections” such as bacterial pneumonia that may follow an initial infection with influenza virus.
