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 complications is higher for:
Flu Shot Failure? Questions & Answers
The CDC reports this year's flu shot may not protect against a strain of influenza that's hitting the U.S. Q. Does this mean the flu shot is useless? Not at all. Although this year's flu vaccine doesn't match two of the three main types of flu strains now in circulation, people who did get a flu shot and catch the flu get a much milder disease. This can make a life-or-death difference to people who are at high risk of flu complications, such as pregnant women, young children, the elderly,...
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- 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 impairs the immune system.
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