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. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from the flu. The flu can make chronic health problems worse.
For a list of groups who are at high risk for complications from flu, see: Who should get the flu vaccine.