Which people are at highest risk for developing flu-related complications?

Pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections are examples of flu-related complications. The flu can also 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 have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.  The list below includes the groups of people more likely to get flu-related complications if they get sick from influenza.

People at High Risk for Flu Complications:

• Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
• Pregnant women
• People who have:
  • Asthma
  • Cancer
  • Blood disorders (such as sickle cell disease)
  • Chronic lung disease (such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease  (COPD) and cystic fibrosis)
  • Endocrine disorders (such as diabetes mellitus)
  • Heart disease (such as congenital heart disease, congestive heart failure, and coronary artery disease)
  • Kidney disorders
  • Liver disorders
  • Neurological and neuro-developmental conditions (including disorders of the brain, spinal cord, peripheral nerve, and muscle such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy (seizure disorders), stroke, intellectual disability [mental retardation], moderate to severe developmental delay, muscular dystrophy, or spinal cord injuries)
  • Metabolic disorders (such as inherited metabolic disorders and mitochondrial disorders)
  • Neuromuscular disorders (such as muscular dystrophy and multiple sclerosis)
  • Weakened immune systems due to disease or medication (such as people with HIV or AIDS, cancer, or those on chronic steroids)
  • People younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy.