Anyone can get the flu, even healthy people, and serious problems from the flu can happen at any age. Most people who get flu will recover in one to two weeks, but some people will develop life-threatening complications as a result of the flu.
People 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to get complications from the flu. Complications for the flu can be sinus and ear infections, bronchitis, pneumonia, hospitalization and death, especially in high-risk groups. The flu can make chronic health problems worse.
High-risk groups are at increased risk for severe flu complications:
- Young children (2 – 5)
- Adults older than 65
- Pregnant women
- High-risk conditions
- Asthma
- History of heart disease and stroke
- Diabetes
- HIV/AIDS
- Cancer
- Chronic kidney disease
- People with muscle and lung function disabilities
- Racial and ethnic minorities
- Non-Hispanic Black
- Non-Hispanic American Indian or Alaska Native
- Hispanic or Latinos