Flu in Adults
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FLU IN ADULTS
Seasonal influenza (“the flu”) in adults is also caused by the Influenza A or B viruses. The flu can be unpredictable and flu symptoms can range from mild to severe. Flu symptoms in adults are often the same as in children: fever, chills, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, and fatigue. Vomiting and diarrhea may also count among flu symptoms in adults, though this is more common in children.
ADULT FLU COMPLICATIONS
Complications of the flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear infection, sinus infection, dehydration, and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates 200,000 people are hospitalized each year due to flu complications and deaths from the flu range from 3,000 annually to 49,000, depending on the severity of the flu virus in a particular season. Seniors and those with compromised immune systems are the most at risk for flu complications.