Vulnerable Populations
Those most vulnerable for seasonal flu:
Most people who get influenza will recover in a few days to less than 2 weeks, but some people will develop life-threatening complications such as pneumonia as a result of the flu. Millions of people in the United States—between 5% and 20% of U.S. residents—will get influenza each year. Anyone can get the flu even healthy people, and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age.
• People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions (such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease).
• Pregnant women and young children are more likely to experience complications from influenza. Pneumonia, bronchitis, and sinus and ear infections are three examples of complications from flu.
The flu can make chronic health problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have the flu. Follow the CDC Guidelines for asthma patients. People with chronic congestive heart failure may have worsening of this condition that is triggered by the flu.
Those most vulnerable for H1N1 flu:
Pregnant women because they are at higher risk of complications and can potentially provide protection to infants who cannot be vaccinated.
• Children from 6 months through 18 years of age because cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in children who are in close contact with each other in school and day care settings, which increases the likelihood of disease spread.
• Young adults 19 through 24 years of age because many cases of 2009 H1N1 influenza have been seen in these healthy young adults and they often live, work, and study in close proximity, and they are a frequently mobile population.
Persons aged 25 through 64 years who have health conditions associated with higher risk of medical complications from influenza.