Flu symptoms can include a fever, headache, muscle pain, a runny nose, sore throat, and cough. Although colds and various other viruses may cause similar symptoms, true influenza weakens a person much more that other viruses. That's why it's important for seniors to be immunized against this seasonal disease. However, the real threat from influenza comes as it wears down your body's resistance, leaving you vulnerable to secondary infections.
Bacterial pneumonia is the most common complication - particularly in the elderly.
Less common infections include viral pneumonia and various disorders of the nervous system. Worst of all, these complications can be fatal. Statistics indicate that more than 1,000 Canadians die annually as a result of influenza. If you are over 65 years old, it is likely that your immune system is weaker than it once was. As well, seniors with chronic heart, lung or kidney disease, or suffering from diabetes, cancer or anemia are especially at risk.