The year 2021 has come with its own set of challenges, one of them being the annual influenza epidemic.

The virus has been responsible for the death of at least 15 people so far in the United States, and the number is expected to rise as the season progresses. Anyone can contract the flu, but certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others. In this article, we explore the demographics of those most at risk of getting the flu.

Children under Five Years Old

Young children are at a higher risk of catching the flu than adults because their immune systems are not fully developed.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) report that children under five years old, and especially those under two, are at an increased risk of developing complications from influenza.

Elderly People

Another group of people that is particularly vulnerable to the flu are the elderly. As you age, your immune system weakens, which makes it harder for your body to fight off the flu.

The CDC reports that those aged 65 years and older accounted for the majority of influenza-related hospitalizations and deaths during the 2019-2020 season.

Pregnant Women

Pregnancy puts additional strain on the body, which makes it harder for pregnant women to fight off infections, including the flu.

Furthermore, if a pregnant woman gets the flu, both she and her unborn child are at an increased risk of health complications. The CDC recommends that all pregnant women receive the flu vaccine since it can protect both the mother and her unborn baby.

People with Chronic Medical Conditions

If you have a chronic medical condition, such as asthma, heart disease, or diabetes, you are at a higher risk of developing complications from the flu.

That’s because these conditions weaken the immune system, making it harder for your body to fight the virus. The CDC reports that individuals with chronic medical conditions accounted for the majority of influenza-related hospitalizations during the 2019-2020 season.

Healthcare Workers

Healthcare workers are at an increased risk of contracting the flu because of their close proximity to patients. They are also at risk of spreading the virus to vulnerable patients if they become infected.

That’s why healthcare workers are often required to receive the flu vaccine as a condition of employment.

People Who Live in Group Settings

People who live in group settings, such as nursing homes, prisons, and military barracks, are at an increased risk of contracting the flu. The close proximity of residents in these settings makes it easier for the virus to spread.

In addition, residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are often elderly, and therefore more vulnerable to flu-related complications.

People Who Travel Frequently

If you travel frequently, you are at an increased risk of contracting the flu, particularly if you travel internationally. That’s because you are exposed to a wider range of flu viruses than someone who stays in one place.

The CDC recommends that all travelers receive the flu vaccine before traveling, particularly if they are traveling to areas where the flu is prevalent.

Children and Adults with Neurologic Conditions

Children and adults with certain neurologic conditions, such as cerebral palsy or epilepsy, are at an increased risk of developing complications from the flu.

These conditions weaken the immune system, making it harder for the body to fight off the virus. In addition, people with neurologic conditions often have difficulty coughing and clearing their airways, which can make it harder for them to recover from respiratory infections.

People with Weakened Immune Systems

Finally, if you have a weakened immune system due to illness or medical treatment, you are at an increased risk of contracting the flu.

This includes people undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy, as well as those with HIV/AIDS or other immune system disorders. These conditions make it easier for the virus to infect the body, and they also weaken the body’s ability to fight off the virus.

Conclusion

In conclusion, anyone can contract the flu, but certain groups of people are more vulnerable than others.

These groups include young children, the elderly, pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, healthcare workers, people who live in group settings, frequent travelers, people with neurologic conditions, and people with weakened immune systems. Getting vaccinated against the flu is the best way to protect yourself and others from the virus.