People at High Risk of Developing Flu–Related Complications

Many people do not know if they are at high risk for flu complications.

Most people who get the flu will have mild illness, will not need medical care or antiviral drugs, and will recover in less than two weeks. Some people, however, are more likely to get flu complications that can result in hospitalization and sometimes death. Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications. The flu also can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu, and people with chronic congestive heart failure may experience a worsening of this condition triggered by flu. List below are the groups of people who are more likely to get serious flu-related complications if they get sick with influenza.

People at High Risk for Developing Flu-Related Complications

Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
Adults 65 years of age and older
Pregnant women (and women up to two weeks postpartum)
Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
Also, American Indians and Alaska Natives[1.1 MB, 2 pages] seem to be at higher risk of flu complications

People who have medical conditions including:

Asthma
Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions [including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability, moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injury].
Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease [COPD] and cystic fibrosis)
Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure and coronary artery disease)
Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
Kidney disorders
Liver disorders
Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
Weakened immune system due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, or cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy
People with extreme obesity (body mass index [BMI] of 40 or more) Calculate your Body Mass Index or BMI

Note: There is no recommendation for pregnant women or people with pre-existing medical conditions to get special permission or written consent from their doctor or health care professional for influenza vaccination if they get vaccinated at a worksite clinic, pharmacy or other location outside of their physician’s office. For more information, visit Misconceptions about Seasonal Flu and Flu Vaccines.

Materials are also available for:

Flu Information for Parents with Young ChildrenAdvice for parents who want to keep their children healthy.
Influenza Vaccination Information for Health Care WorkersInformation on the importance of influenza vaccination for people who work in health care.
Information for Health Professionals
Information about vaccination, infection control, prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of seasonal influenza for public health and health care professionals.
Information for Schools & Childcare ProvidersInformation on preventing the flu, common questions and answers, and poster materials for schools.

Information for Businesses & EmployersInformation and tools on preventing the flu, workplace specific guidelines, and printable materials.
Legal Professionals and PolicymakersLegal materials related to influenza.
Flu Information for Travelers
Advice for actions to take before, during, and after trips to protect yourself from influenza.