For most people, a case of the flu brings fever, cough, body aches, severe headache and extreme fatigue — but often doesn't require medical care. For others, the flu can lead to a hospital stay or even death due to serious complications such as pneumonia.
Here's who faces a higher-than-normal risk for complications:
1. Children younger than age 5 (especially those younger than age 2)
2. People ages 65 and older
3. Pregnant women
4. American Indians
5. Alaskan Natives
6. People who have medical conditions such as:
- Asthma
- Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions
- Chronic lung disease
- Heart disease
- Blood disorders
- Endocrine disorders, including diabetes
- Kidney disorders
- Liver disorders
- Metabolic disorders
- An immune system weakened by disease or medication
7. People younger than 19 getting long-term aspirin therapy
8. People who are morbidly obese (with a body mass index of 40 or more)
To prevent the flu — and its complications — be sure to get your flu shot.
Source: Good Neighbor Pharmacy Health Connection, September 2013
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