The age groups most at risk for severe flu complications are young children (under 5, especially under 2), older adults (65 and over), pregnant women, people with chronic medical conditions, and Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people), as these groups face higher risks of hospitalization and death, though flu can impact anyone.
Flu: Who Is Most at Risk?
Adults 65 years and older. All children younger than 5 years old are considered at high risk for serious flu complications, but the highest risk is for those younger than 2 years old. Infants younger than 6 months cannot receive flu vaccine.
Older adults
Adults 65 and older have weaker immune systems, which makes them more likely to get sick and experience severe flu symptoms. They are also more likely to face complications like pneumonia or hospitalization.
Risk groups for influenza-related complications
Individuals with Chronic Health Conditions
People with chronic illnesses like asthma, COPD, diabetes, or cardiovascular disease face heightened risks from influenza. The flu can exacerbate these conditions, leading to serious complications and prolonged recovery periods.
High-risk groups
Older adults are least likely to get the flu.
The flu shot is generally offered to everyone, but especially important for young children and older adults. Therefore, it may be surprising that adults older than 65 are among the least likely to contract the flu.
Flu vaccines are available for everyone aged 65 and over, under 65s in clinical risk groups, pregnant women, care home residents and carers, close contacts of those who are immunosuppressed, frontline social care workers, and health and social care staff as well as children.
pregnant women. children aged 6 months to 5 years. people over age 65. people with chronic medical conditions.
Yes, you can be around someone with the flu and not get it, but the risk is high, as the flu spreads easily through airborne droplets from coughs/sneezes or touching contaminated surfaces, so practicing strict hygiene, social distancing (if possible), wearing a mask, and getting vaccinated are crucial to avoid infection. Even with precautions, infection is possible, but diligent handwashing, avoiding touching your face, and disinfecting surfaces significantly reduce your chances.
Chronic conditions may increase the risk of influenza complications. Examples include asthma and other lung diseases, diabetes, heart disease, nervous system diseases, previous history of stroke, metabolic disorders, problems with the airway, and kidney, liver or blood disease.
In general, the flu affects kids—and older adults—more severely than adults. In children, the fever associated with influenza is likely to be higher, on average, than an adult's fever. In addition, children more often experience symptoms related to the digestive system, such as nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.
Genetic factors may explain why some people get sick and others avoid infectious diseases.
Everyone 6 months and older should get a flu vaccine every season with rare exceptions. Vaccination is particularly important for people who are at higher risk of serious complications from influenza.
The CDC estimates that about 70-85 percent of flu-related deaths occur in adults 65 years and older. Residents of nursing homes and other long-term care facilities are also at higher risk. Children younger than 5, but especially children younger than 2 years old, are at higher risk of complications from flu illness.
The CDC reports that patients under the age of 18 are twice as likely to get the flu than adults. Additionally, patients from 0-4 years old are at the highest risk in the underage category.
conditions that affect your breathing, such as asthma (needing a steroid inhaler or tablets), chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or cystic fibrosis. heart conditions, such as coronary heart disease or heart failure. chronic kidney disease. liver disease, such as cirrhosis or hepatitis.
One type of flu virus, called A H3N2, historically has caused the most hospitalizations and deaths in older people.
Young children get sick far more often than adults, and it is completely normal. Most healthy kids come down with about six viral illnesses a year—and preschoolers and early elementary-aged children can have even more, especially when school starts and germs spread quickly.
People younger than 19 years old on long-term aspirin- or salicylate-containing medications. People with certain disabilities—especially those who may have trouble with muscle function, lung function, or difficulty coughing, swallowing, or clearing fluids from their airways.
Older adults are at highest risk of getting very sick from COVID-19. More than 81% of COVID-19 deaths occur in people over age 65. The number of deaths among people over age 65 is 97 times higher than among people ages 18-29 years.
Groups at higher risk from infection
People who are immunosuppressed may have a reduced ability to fight infections and other diseases. Most people in this group will be under the care of a hospital specialist and will have received advice on the risks to them and when to seek medical advice.
Higher risk groups include people who are 65 and older, children under 5, people with weakened immune systems, and pregnant women.
The same CID study found that children are most likely to get sick from flu and that people 65 and older are least likely to get sick from flu.