HealthWise KnowledgeBase
Influenza (Seasonal Flu)
What Increases Your Risk
Anyone exposed to an influenza (flu) virus can become infected. These viruses are contagious and spread easily among people in groups, such as in nursing homes, hospitals, shelters, schools, and day cares. Working, visiting, or living in any of these areas increases your risk of getting the flu.
The risk of having severe symptoms and Reference complications is higher for:
- Children younger than 2 years of age.
- Adults age 65 and older.
- Pregnant women.
- People who have chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), other lung diseases, or heart failure.
- People who have a medical condition (such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome [AIDS]) or who are using a medicine that Reference impairs the immune system Opens New Window.
| By: | Reference Healthwise Staff | Last Revised: Reference July 9, 2012 |
| Medical Review: | Reference E. Gregory Thompson, MD - Internal Medicine
Reference Christine Hahn, MD - Epidemiology |
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