Flu-Related Complications Are More Serious In These Four Groups Of People

While getting the flu is common, it surely is annoying. It disrupts our lives, just like any sickness or virus. Sore throat, chills, fever, and aches and pains are bothersome, to say the least. For most, it may take up to 2 weeks to fully recover from the virus. But for certain groups of people, getting the flu may develop into something more serious, such as pneumonia, or bronchitis.and this is not to be taken lightly, it can have serious effects which could lead to hospitalization, or worse.

According to some medical experts, there are four groups of people who are more prone to serious flu-related complications. If you belong to any of these groups identified here, you should get vaccination for flu ASAP. Better to be safe than sorry, especially with your health.

Women who are pregnant.

Even healthy women who are pregnant are more susceptible to complications brought about by the flu. Carrying a baby changes a woman’s general health. Pregnancy can affect changes in the heart, lungs, an immune system, that make pregnant women more prone to flu-related complications, according to the CDC. These complications increase the risk of miscarriages, premature births, or lower birth weights. So it goes without saying, expectant mothers should really be more careful regarding their health…their health will affect at least 2 people, not just one.

Children.

Young children are always susceptible to all kinds of diseases, their immunity system may not yet be fully developed to handle such. Any kid under five years old is in more danger than older children or adults. It is possible for the flu virus to morph into something worse like encephalopathy (a kind of brain infection), or pneumonia. Plus, dehydration may set in as well. So make sure your young children are not exposed to anything that could infect them.

The elderly.

Anyone over 50 years old is part of this group. As you age, your immune system has to work overtime to battle harmful germs. Dr. Donna Casey, internal medicine specialist at Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital in Dallas, explains why the elderly are more susceptible to flu-related complications and develop chronic health problems: “ This increases the susceptibility of getting the flu and developing complications such as bronchitis, pneumonia, or secondary bacterial infections on top of the viral flu.” So people over 50 are a high priority for flu vaccinations.

People with chronic health problems.

People with chronic health conditions like diabetes, asthma, heart disease, COPD, kidney, liver, or blood disorders, are more prone to developing flu-related complications, according to the CDC. These include pneumonia, bronchitis, ear and sinus infections. Your body’s immune system is already overloaded coping with your chronic condition, so adding complications will drastically affect the way your immune system will work. Any sickness besetting a person with chronic health issues is dangerous. Weakened immune systems caused by leukemia or HIV/AIDS  is also a serious issue. Even drugs or treatment that compromises your immunity, such as chemotherapy, chronic corticosteroids, and radiation will affect your health should you get sick with the flu, or similar viruses.

Even if you don’t belong to any of these groups above, it is always best to prevent getting sick. Practice healthy habits, take current vaccinations, and protect yourself always. Don’t be confident, be vigilant.