Cause and Risk Factors
The flu results from infection with an influenza virus. In most cases, people infected with the flu recover without medical treatment within 2 weeks. Patients who have heart, lung (e.g., asthma), or kidney problems, diabetes, cancer, or HIV/AIDS have a higher risk for developing complications (e.g., pneumonia) from the flu. Young children under 2 years of age and people over the age of 65 also are at increased risk.
Other people who are at increased risk for developing flu complications include the following:
- Children who are on long-term aspirin therapy
- Patients who have medical conditions that can compromise breathing (e.g., spinal cord injury, seizure disorders, nerve or muscle disease, brain injury)
- Patients who live in a long-term care facility (e.g., nursing home) or who were hospitalized during the previous year
- Women who are pregnant during flu season
Physician-developed and -monitored.
Original Date of Publication: 02 Aug 2007
Reviewed by: Stanley J. Swierzewski, III, M.D.
Last Reviewed: 01 Dec 2007
Flu (Influenza), Risk Factors reprinted with permission from flu.healthcommunities.com
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