SECONDARY COMPLICATIONS

Some of the complications caused by flu include bacterial pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children may get sinus problems and ear infections.

Certain groups considered to be at risk of secondary complications from the flu include the following.¹

persons aged >65 years;
residents of nursing homes and other chronic-care facilities that house persons of any age who have chronic medical conditions;
adults and children who have chronic disorders of the pulmonary or cardiovascular systems, including asthma;
adults and children who have required regular medical follow-up or hospitalization during the preceding year because of chronic metabolic diseases (including diabetes mellitus), renal dysfunction, hemoglobinopathies, or immunosuppression (including immunosuppression caused by medications or by human immunodeficiency virus [HIV]);
children and adolescents (aged 6 months–18 years) who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy and, therefore, might be at risk for experiencing Reye syndrome after influenza infection;
women who will be pregnant during the influenza season; and
children aged 6–23 months.

¹www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm

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