Influenza natural history, complications and prognosis

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Complications

Possible complications, especially for those at high risk, include:

• Pneumonia
• Encephalitis (infection of the brain)
• Bronchitis
• Sinus infections
• Ear infections

Health problems influenza can worsen

The flu can also make some health problems worse. These health problems include:

• Asthma or other lung problems
• Diabetes
• HIV/AIDS
• Heart disease

Prognosis

Anyone at any age can have serious complications from the flu, but those at highest risk include:

• People over age 50
• Children between 6 months and 2 years
• Women more than 3 months pregnant during the flu season
• Anyone living in a long-term care facility
• Anyone with chronic heart, lung, or kidney conditions, diabetes, or a weakened immune system

In most individuals who are otherwise healthy, the flu goes away within 7 to 10 days.