People who have one or more of the health conditions listed below can have a more severe illness from the H1N1 virus. If you have one of these health conditions and you develop flu-like symptoms, contact your health care provider or seek medical care immediately.
Some people are more likely to get flu complications that result in being hospitalized. 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 Developing Flu-Related Complications:
- Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old
- Adults 65 years of age and older
- Pregnant women
For a list of Additional High Risk Groups, please click here: