HEALTH TOPICS

Flu season is near. Most cases will be mild, need little medical care and last less than two weeks. But for some people, the flu can lead to a hospital stay or even death, due to serious complications such as pneumonia. 

Here’s who faces a higher-than-normal risk for complications: 

•  Children younger than age 5 (especially those younger than 2) 

•  People ages 65 and older

•  Pregnant women 

•  American Indians 

•  Alaskan Natives 

•  People who have medical conditions such as:

    •  Asthma

    •  Neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions 

    •  Chronic lung disease

    •  Heart disease

    •  Blood disorders 

    •  Endocrine disorders, including diabetes 

    •  Kidney disorders 

    •  Liver disorders 

    •  Metabolic disorders 

    •  An immune system weakened by disease or medication 

    •  People who are morbidly obese (with a body mass index of 40 or more) 

To prevent the flu and its complications, get the flu vaccine every year. Talk with your pharmacist about the flu shot location nearest you; your local Good Neighbor Pharmacy may offer immunization services.