While the body is trying to fight off the viral illness, it can become susceptible to other bacteria in the body. In those that are elderly, frail or ill from other long term disease, complications, such as pneumonia, can develop. A person at high risk is anyone with chronic lung disease, like asthma, emphysema, chronic bronchitis, tuberculosis or cystic fibrosis, or who has heart disease or kidney disease, or who is diagnosed with diabetes. Anyone who is anemic or has any reason to have a weakened immune system is also at risk. Those past age 65 or who live in a nursing home are high risk and should also be vaccinated.
Vaccines are very effective.
Each year a new vaccine is made with the virus pieces that are causing the illness or that year. The virus pieces are inactive, so they cannot cause influenza, but they can stimulate the immune system to make its own antibodies. Medicare and many other health plans pay for the vaccine. Many community centers are now advertising times for flu shots. Your physician has the vaccine, too.