Those at Risk for Serious Flu Complications

It is never enjoyable to become sick with the flu. Fever, sore throat, chills, and pains might make you want to hide beneath the covers for the rest of your life. But according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it takes about two weeks or less to recover from flu infection. Still, some high-risk groups are more likely to develop serious flu complications like pneumonia or bronchitis, leading to hospitalization. Also, people with an existing medical condition, such as asthma or a heart problem, might see their symptoms exacerbated by the flu.

Risk of flu complications

People with a high risk of flu complications need to get vaccinated as soon as possible. Such high-risk individuals include the following.

People who have chronic health issues or have compromised immune systems

According to the CDC, people with chronic health conditions like asthma, heart disease, COPD, diabetes, or blood, liver, or kidney diseases are more likely to have flu-related complications. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus, and ear infections are just a few of the complications that might occur.

When the body is dealing with a chronic health condition, the immune system is already overworked. As a result of the increased burden, the body has fewer resources available to combat illnesses like the flu. This also applies to those dealing with an immune-compromising condition like HIV/AIDS or leukemia or are undergoing treatments like chemotherapy, radiation, or chronic corticosteroids that compromise immunity.

People above the age of 50

As people become older, their immune system has a harder time fighting off harmful microorganisms, and more chronic health issues can begin to set in. This makes the person more likely to get the flu and develop complications like bronchitis, pneumonia, or secondary bacterial infections concurrently. According to the CDC, those over the age of 50 are a high-priority population for flu vaccines.

Children in their early years

According to the CDC, children under the age of five (particularly those under the age of two) are more prone to experiencing severe complications from the flu than older children or adults. They cannot fight illnesses as effectively as adults because their immune systems are still in development. The CDC states that this increases the risk of a flu infection worsening into something more dangerous, such as pneumonia, encephalopathy (a form of brain infection), or dehydration.

Expectant people

Even if the person is in excellent health, bearing and carrying a child puts great strain on the body. Pregnancy alters the immune system, heart, and lungs, making expectant people more vulnerable to flu-related illnesses, including bronchitis or pneumonia. Since these are severe illnesses, the American Pregnancy Association warns that they may raise the risk of miscarriage, early delivery, or low birth weight.