The Pope was recently hospitalized for laryngeal spasms secondary to influenza. Influenza is a virus that many take for granted as a “simple flu”, but actually is quite deadly – especially in the elderly and the very young.
Pneumonia is the most common complication from influenza. Those over the age of 65, in nursing homes, and have concurrent heart disease, lung disease or diabetes are at higher risk for developing this complication. According to UptoDate, individuals 85 years of age and older were 16 times more likely to die from an influenza-associated cause than those aged 65 to 69 years.
As for treatment, antiviral medications are only useful when used within 2 days of illness. In this case, there was mention of laryngeal spasms. Some say treatment with Dilantin or an intralaryngeal injection of botulinum toxin may help. If there is danger of throat swelling, steroids can be considered.
It is likely that close observation was needed in a hospital setting, in case intubation became necessary if the respiratory function continued to worsen.
