Possible Severe Complications from the Flu

Illness prevention in the form of a flu shot is possible with the help of a local urgent care clinic. This viral infection can have severe symptoms. It may also develop additional symptoms capable of putting your general health even more at risk of deterioration. If you want to find out the possible severe flu complications from not having a flu shot, here are the details.

Dehydration

Flu can decrease a person’s appetite. The intake of liquids can decrease as well. Fever, diarrhea, and vomiting can also happen during a bout of flu. That is why dehydration can happen.

In children and infants, dehydration symptoms include tearless crying, dry mouth, and no urine in the diapers after three hours. In adults, there is dizziness, fatigue, confusion, and extreme thirst. Going to the local urgent care facility is important for severe dehydration. The patient may need intravenous fluids.

Bronchitis

This is a condition involving the inflammation of the airways. These air passages make it possible for air to enter and exit the lungs. Bronchitis is the result of a viral infection from the flu. Irritants and bacteria can also cause this respiratory condition. Wheezing, wet cough, and shortness of breath are common symptoms. An annual flu shot can prevent an individual from developing this condition.

Myocarditis

This is the inflammation of the heart wall’s middle layer or the myocardium. It can be a result of flu viruses. Shortness of breath and fatigue are mild symptoms. It can also cause abnormal heart rhythms, stroke, or heart attack.

Ear infection

Inflamed eardrums can cause significant ear pain. Flu can cause this. Children are common ear infection patients. The Eustachian tubes are smaller in kids. The flu infection could make them swell up right away. A flu shot from a local urgent care clinic can help prevent this.

Myositis

Influenza can cause damage to the muscle fibers because of inflammation. This is infectious myositis. The individual may experience muscle tenderness and muscle pain. There is also a generalized weakness. Myositis can disappear by itself in days or weeks. This may also turn into a chronic ailment.

Pericarditis

This is the inflammation of the thin, sac-like tissue encasing the heart or the pericardium. Flu can cause pericarditis. Weakness, coughing, and fever are common symptoms. This could resolve itself without any treatment at all. Severe pericarditis will need surgery and hospitalization.

Pneumonia

Flu viruses may lead to pneumonia. This can be a life-threatening infection in the lungs. It can develop into a more serious bacterial pneumonia. Shallow breathing, vomiting, fever, and nausea are common symptoms. Lack of oxygenation results in bluish lips and nailbeds. An updated flu shot can prevent the individual from developing this flu complication.

Sinus infection

This is the inflammation of the sinuses. It often results in mucous buildup. Facial pain, headaches, and nasal congestion are common symptoms. There could also be a loss of taste and smell. The infected individual can also experience tooth pain, cough, and fever. A flu shot can prevent this type of infection.