Research conducted by the University of Queensland has shown that the increased prevalence of chronic conditions such as diabetes and above target weight, will cause more hospitalizations if there is a major flu outbreak.

A factor contributing to this likelihood, is that people who are above target weight or have diabetes, are more likely to get the flu. Plus, this same group is often antibiotic resistant.  Which means they may not respond to antibiotics if they get a secondary infection. This can turn a mild flu season into a severe outbreak.

Individuals who are obese or have diabetes “are more likely to be hospitalised or die from the flu,” though it is not yet fully understood why this is the case. These conditions may have a significant affect on immune response which protects against foreign virus’. The inability to fight off a virus may cause a rapid spread of infectious disease.

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Scientist believe that the next flu pandemic is eminent as the rates of chronic disease and antibiotic resistance continue to increase. This pandemic may mirror the 1918 Spanish flu that killed between 50-100 million people.

Antibiotic resistance also plays a key role in the spread of infectious diseases. In 1918, many people perished due to the lack of antibiotics. We are now facing a similar situation as many bacteria are becoming resistant to these antibiotics.  Climate change may also have a significant impact on the immune response as risk for malnutrition from crop losses increases. Climate change is also affecting animal behavior, such as bird migration patterns, “which can contribute to the spread of the flu.”

Dr. van de Sandt of the University of Queensland states that, “there is a lot to be concerned about, and we still don’t have a vaccine to protect against all the strains of influenza.” Developing a new vaccine is the next big step in preventing this pandemic. Decreasing the rates of diabetes and above target weight will also make a significant impact on immunity and flu prevention.

For more information, visit Rise of diabetes could exacerbate future flu pandemics.