The Flu Can Cause Severe Complications

Everyone has a different reaction to the flu when it comes to the symptoms and recovery time. That we all know, but not everyone knows about the complications that can arise from having the flu. Those people that are at a higher risk of severe flu complications are young children, adults of the age 65 or older, pregnant women, and people with chronic medical conditions.

People with chronic lung disease are at a higher risk of obtaining pneumonia than those who do not. Hospitalization and in some rare cases, death, can be the result of flu complications. Infections of the upper respiratory tract and lower respiratory tract are some of the complications caused by the influenza virus.

A moderate complication of the flu would be a sinus or ear infection, whereas, pneumonia is a more severe complication.

Other serious complications may include:

1. Sensorineural Hearing Loss: The inability to convert vibrations in the inner ear into nerve signals that travel to the brain. Symptoms include swelling, congestion, and pressure. Hearing loss, in this case, is possible.
2. Guillain-Barre Syndrome: It is an autoimmune condition that progressively affects muscle strength. It typically starts with the legs and works its way up. Reflexes and breathing muscles are often affected.
3. Pneumonia or MRSA: Pneumonia is an infection that causes inflammation of the lungs. One-third of reported pneumonia cases are caused by influenza. MRSA is rare, but the lungs can be enabled by the flu to grow this bacteria. Symptoms may include a productive cough, chest pain, and breathlessness.
4. Myocarditis: It is the inflammation and destruction of the heart muscle tissue and can lead to heart failure. Symptoms are difficulty breathing, accumulation of fluid around the ankles and calves, and chest pain while breathing.
5. Reye Syndrome: It is a condition in which the brain and the liver are both inflamed. This inflammation is typically the cause of the combination of aspirin and viral illness, such as influenza in this case. This condition affects children and teenagers. Symptoms include vomiting, confusion, lethargy, and other mental changes. Most people recover completely, while some suffer from long-term neurologic consequences, and 1 in 5 cases results in death.
6. Encephalitis or Meningitis: Encephalitis is inflammation of the brain tissue, where meningitis is an inflammation of the lining of the brain and spinal cord. Symptoms include confusion, fever, and seizures or other neurological problems. 

All of these conditions can be very hard on someone; physically, mentally, and emotionally. To avoid having any of the above issues, make sure to wash your hands regularly and distance yourself from others if you do have the flu.

References:
https://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/disease/complications.htm 
https://www.everydayhealth.com/cold-flu-pictures/suprising-health-complications-from-cold-and-flu.aspx#01