Archive · 25 Aug 2026
Doctor Warns Vulnerable People Face Ventilator Risk From H1N1
H1N1 usually causes a short illness in healthy people.
Most healthy individuals recover without many serious problems.
However, the virus can be more dangerous for certain people.
This includes very elderly people and people with diabetes.
It can also affect people with chronic lung disease.
People whose immune systems are weakened may also become seriously ill.
Some vulnerable patients have needed intensive care.
Dr. G.C. Khilnani said some patients are currently using ventilators because of H1N1.
Dr. G.C. Khilnani says H1N1 illness is generally short-lived in healthy people.
Older adults, especially those aged 70-80 and above, face higher risks.
People with diabetes or chronic lung disease may develop serious illness.
Those immunocompromised by long-term steroids, cancer treatment, or other conditions are vulnerable.
Some patients with H1N1 are currently in intensive care units and on ventilators.
- Who
- Dr. G.C. Khilnani discussed the risks, particularly for older adults and people with certain health conditions.
- What
- H1N1 can cause serious illness requiring intensive care and ventilators among vulnerable people, although it is generally self-limiting in healthy individuals.
- When
- Currently, according to Dr. Khilnani.
- Why
- The risk is higher for people who are very elderly, have diabetes or chronic lung disease, or are immunocompromised.
- Virus
- H1N1
- Healthy individuals
- The illness is described as relatively short-lived and generally self-limiting.
- Higher-risk age group
- People aged 70-80 and above.
- Medical risk factors
- Diabetes and chronic lung disease.
- Immune-related risks
- Long-term steroid use, cancer treatment, and other immunosuppressed states.
- Severe cases
- Some patients are currently in intensive care units and on ventilators.
- Medical expert
- Dr. G.C. Khilnani, Chairman of the PSRI Institute of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine.