What to do if there is a serious reaction. How to learn more . Influenza can make people of any age ill. Although most people are ill for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Thousands of people die each year from influenza-related illnesses.
Most deaths caused by influenza are in elderly people.
People who are at risk for getting a serious case of influenza or a complication should get the vaccine. Personnel at nursing homes or chronic care facilities People who provide home-care to high risk persons, such as visiting nurses and volunteers. People traveling to the tropics any time of year, or to countries south of the equator between April -Sept. Anyone who wants to reduce their chance of catching influenza. Since influenza viruses change frequently, they may not always be covered by the vaccine.