Influenza or flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. Flu can be mild to severe and can cause hospitalization or even death.

Although anyone can get flu, certain groups of people are at higher risk for flu and its complications. Hospitalization due to flu is more common among certain age groups and populations that have underlying medical conditions. This article will focus on the groups that are at highest risk for flu hospitalization.

Elderly People (Aged 65 and Older)

Elderly people aged 65 and older are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), during the 2019-2020 flu season in the United States, people aged 65 years and older accounted for the greatest burden of severe illness, hospitalization, and death from influenza. The flu vaccine is less effective in the elderly population than other age groups, which makes them more susceptible to flu hospitalization.

Children (0-4 years old)

Young children aged 0-4 years are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death. During the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC reported 105 flu-related deaths among children in the United States.

Children in this age group have the highest hospitalization rates of all age groups. It is advisable for children in this age group to receive annual flu vaccine to protect them from flu and its complications.

People with Chronic Medical Conditions

People with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

Chronic medical conditions that increase the risk of flu complications include asthma, chronic lung disease, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease, and diabetes. People with weakened immune systems due to any cause, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or medical treatment, are also at higher risk of flu complications.

People with chronic medical conditions should get an annual flu vaccine as it can help prevent flu-related hospitalizations.

Pregnant Women

Pregnant women are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

Pregnant women undergo changes in their immune system, heart, and lungs during pregnancy, which makes them more susceptible to severe flu illness. The flu virus can also endanger the health of the developing fetus. It is recommended that pregnant women get a flu vaccine during any trimester of pregnancy to protect themselves from flu and its potential complications.

American Indians and Alaskan Natives

American Indians and Alaskan Natives are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

People in this group often experience higher rates of underlying medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, and heart disease. Similar to other groups, this population should receive an annual flu vaccine to protect themselves from flu and its complications.

Additionally, healthcare providers should be particularly vigilant when screening, testing, and treating American Indian and Alaskan Native patients for flu-related illness.

People with a Body Mass Index of 40 or More

People with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or more, also known as severe obesity, are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

Influenza virus spreads easily among people who are obese, and they are more likely to develop pneumonia or respiratory distress. Due to their increased risk for flu, people with severe obesity should get an annual flu vaccine.

People with Neurological or Neurodevelopmental Conditions

People with neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions such as cerebral palsy, epilepsy, stroke, intellectual disability, or muscular dystrophy are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death. The flu virus can worsen the symptoms of these conditions and lead to other complications such as pneumonia, which can be life-threatening.

People with neurological or neurodevelopmental conditions should get an annual flu vaccine to protect themselves from flu and its potential complications.

Residents of Long-Term Care Facilities

Residents of long-term care facilities such as nursing homes are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

Long-term care facilities are communal spaces that can easily spread flu virus from one resident to another. The elderly and people with underlying medical conditions reside in these types of care facilities, which puts them at an increased risk of flu.

Vaccinating residents and healthcare personnel in long-term care facilities helps prevent flu outbreaks and hospitalizations in these communities.

People with Blood Disorders

People with blood disorders such as sickle cell disease or thalassemia are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

These conditions can weaken the immune system and make it harder to fight off infections like the flu. People with blood disorders should get an annual flu vaccine to protect themselves from flu and its potential complications.

People with Immune System Disorders

People with immune system disorders such as HIV/AIDS or cancer are at a higher risk of developing severe influenza-related complications, including hospitalization and death.

These conditions can weaken the immune system, making it harder to fight off infections like the flu. People with immune system disorders should get an annual flu vaccine to protect themselves from flu and its potential complications.