People often mistake flu as an easy-to-cure disease, disregarding the fact that, if left undiagnosed and untreated, it can lead to serious complications.
According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, patients already diagnosed with other complications have a compromised immune system. More than finding a cure, it’s crucial for these high-risk groups to avoid flu altogether.
Those with heart conditions
Almost half of the patients suffering from cardiovascular diseases are hospitalized because of influenza. Unfortunately, the CDC said, risk of influenza-related hospitalization is three times more for patients with heart diseases. Aside from hospitalization risks, respiratory infections like flu can trigger a heart attack. Studies show the risk of death due to influenza complications for people with heart conditions increases tenfold.
Those with diabetes
Aside from managing their sugar levels, diabetics also need to maintain their body’s defense against viruses and infections as an occurrence of flu can be more frequent for them. According to the CDC, people who are suffering from the disease are three to six times more likely to be hospitalized due to flu. What is more dreadful is that with influenza complications, the risk of death in diabetics can increase up to six times more than the average.
Those with kidney disorders
Just like those with heart conditions and diabetes, the immune system of chronic kidney disease patients is weaker, thus compromising their recovery. Dr. Leslie Spry, in article published on the National Kidney Foundation website, urged patients with chronic disease and those who went through a kidney transplant to have flu shots, as people with kidney disorders have 10 times more chances of getting pulmonary infections like flu. Influenza can trigger pneumonia in kidney disease sufferers which adds another layer of risk in their recovery.
Those infected with HIV
HIV weakens the body’s immune system and a viral infection like flu can stress an already weakened immune system. More often, flu infections can cause complications like pneumonia, according to the CDC. A list of recommended vaccines, which includes for diseases such as hepatitis B, pneumonia, and influenza is given to those infected with HIV to prevent worsening of their conditions.