Older adults are at higher risk of serious flu and flu-related complications including pneumonia and hospitalization. But there are also other risks that may not be as obvious—flu increases the risk of heart attack by 3-5 times and stroke by 2-3 times in the first 2 weeks of infection for those 65+.

What complications can the flu lead to?

Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infections, sinus infections and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes.

What is the most common complication of an infection with influenzae virus in the elderly?

Influenza virus is a common cause of morbidity and mortality. Complications of influenza include pneumonia and exacerbations of underlying pulmonary and cardiac disease. The very young, the elderly, and those with comorbid illnesses are at highest risk.

Does the flu cause confusion in elderly?

In an older person, feeling weak or confused may be the only sign of having the flu. Influenza can become a life-threatening illness in older adults and other high-risk groups of people.

Can the flu cause long term side effects?

Flu also can make chronic medical problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks while they have flu, and people with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of this condition triggered by flu.

Does the flu cause long term lung damage?

The flu affects your whole body—including your nose, throat and lungs—and can lead to serious complications in those with chronic illness.

Can the flu cause lung damage?

The flu virus, or influenza, is often considered a respiratory illness. That means it infects your throat, your nose, and sinuses, and can also infect your lungs. Some people are more vulnerable to complications that can affect their lungs, making the flu virus very dangerous.

Why are older patients more at risk for complications of flu?

People 65 years and older are at greater risk of serious complications from the flu, as immune defenses become weaker with age. While flu seasons can vary in severity, during most seasons, people 65 years and older bear the greatest burden of severe flu disease.

Which age group is typically at highest risk for death related to seasonal influenza infection?

The risks for influenza-related compli- cations, hospitalizations, and deaths are highest among adults ages 65 years and older, children younger than 5 years, pregnant women, and people of any age who have medical conditions that place them at increased risk for complications from influenza.

How long does the flu last in older adults?

Symptoms of a flu typically last for around five to seven days. For some older adults, particularly those with high risk factors, the flu may last one to two weeks. Some have reported experiencing cough and fatigue for up to three weeks.

What are side effects of senior flu shot?

High Dose and Adjuvanted Flu Vaccine Side Effects Side effects can include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, headache, muscle ache and malaise, and typically resolve with 1 to 3 days.

Is Tamiflu safe for seniors?

Tamiflu has been approved for use in adults, infants as young as 2 weeks, children, and pregnant women. Tamiflu does not work as well in patients that are over 65.

How long till flu is gone?

Flu symptoms, including fever, should go away after about 5 days, but you may still have a cough and feel weak a few days longer. All your symptoms should be gone within 1 to 2 weeks.

Can influenza affect the brain?

Brain flu is a very rare neurological complication of the influenza virus. It can lead to an altered mental status and other neurological symptoms.

What happens if the flu is left untreated?

In rare cases, the flu can be deadly. Left untreated, the flu can cause: ear infection. diarrhea.

What are the lingering symptoms of the flu?

During this time you will most likely be confined to bed with fatigue, weakness, and a high fever. You usually have symptoms for around 3 to 7 days – once you’re through the worst of the flu, you will still have some lingering symptoms to recover from, which can include a dry cough, fatigue, and weakness.