Are You at High Risk for Developing Flu-Related Complications?

Posted on September 25, 2014

Most people who get the flu will experience mild symptoms, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks. However, some people, are more likely to get flu complications. Some will end up being hospitalized and occasionally the complications of flu can result in death. Flu-related complications include pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections. The flu also can make chronic health problems worse. Following are a few examples:

• People with asthma may experience an increased number of asthma attacks or more severe asthma attacks while they have the flu.
• A person with chronic congestive heart failure may experience a worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.

People at High Risk for Developing Flu-Related Complications

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
  • The flu is more dangerous than the common cold for children. Every year, flu places a large burden on the health and well-being of children and families. It seems as if once one child gets the flu it runs through the entire family, causing missed school and work days. The best method for preventing the flu is an influenza vaccination.
  • If your child is afraid of shots, there is good news. While some flu vaccines come as a “shot” there are also vaccines that come as a “nasal spray.” Both the flu shot and the nasal spray vaccine protect against the flu. The CDC, based on the evidence that the nasal spray vaccine may work better in younger children than a regular flu shot, now recommends the nasal spray vaccine for healthy children 2 through 8 years old when it is available. Children between 6 months and 2 should get the flu shot.
•  Pregnant women
  According to the CDC, the influenza virus is more likely to cause severe illness in pregnant women than in women who are not pregnant. This is because of the changes in the immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy. Pregnant woman who get the flu and experience flu complications also have a greater chance for serious problems for their unborn baby, including premature labor and delivery. Flu shots not only protect the pregnant woman, but also the baby after birth up to six months old. Pregnant women should not be given the nasal spray.
• Adults 65 years of age and older
  People 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu compared with young, healthy adults. According to the CDC, approximately 90 percent of seasonal flu-related deaths and between 50 and 60 percent of seasonal flu-related hospitalizations in the United States occur in people 65 years and older. As we age our immune system becomes weaker making us more susceptible to influenza.

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Categories: DrLaurie, Flu Awareness

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