Flu complications
Most people will recover within two weeks of contracting the flu virus, but there will be groups of patients who may develop complications as a result of flu which may be life-threatening and could lead to death.
Find the at risk groups below to see the complications of flu...
At risk of developing more serious conditions because the human immune system weakens with increasing age. They are also more likely to have an underlying health condition which could be exacerbated by contracting flu.
Pregnant women have a lowered immune system, to protect the foetus, so the mother and baby will be at a higher risk of complications and it may take the woman longer to fight the infection if they contract flu.
Flu can inflame the airways and lungs causing more mucus production, this can trigger worsening of asthma symptoms or even asthma attacks and in the most serious cases, pneumonia.
These patients are at higher risk of developing heart attacks or stroke as a complication of flu.
Diabetics may be at higher risk of pneumonia and changes in blood glucose because of loss of appetite, the illness may also make it more difficult to control blood glucose levels.
Patients with HIV/AIDs will have a reduced immune function therefore will take longer to recover. These customers are also under greater risk of developing heart and lung problems.