The Mayo Clinic Diet Book, learn more

Free

E-newsletter

Subscribe to Housecall

Our weekly general interest
e-newsletter keeps you up to date on a wide variety of health topics.

Sign up now

Risk factors

By Mayo Clinic staff

Factors that may increase your risk of developing influenza or its complications include:

  • Age. Seasonal influenza tends to target young children and people over 65. The pandemic H1N1 virus that surfaced in 2009, however, appeared to be most common in teenagers and young adults.
  • Occupation. Health care workers and child care personnel are more likely to have close contact with people infected with influenza.
  • Living conditions. People who live in facilities along with many other residents, such as nursing homes or military barracks, are more likely to develop influenza.
  • Weakened immune system. Cancer treatments, anti-rejection drugs, corticosteroids and HIV/AIDS can weaken your immune system. This can make it easier for you to catch influenza and may also increase your risk of developing complications.
  • Chronic illnesses. Chronic conditions, such as asthma, diabetes or heart problems, may increase your risk of influenza complications.
  • Pregnancy. Pregnant women are more likely to develop influenza complications, particularly in the second and third trimesters.
Complications Causes
References
  1. Seasonal influenza — Questions & answers. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/qa/disease.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  2. Key facts about influenza (flu) & flu vaccine. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/keyfacts.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  3. Dolin R. Clinical manifestations of seasonal influenza in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  4. What you should know about flu antiviral drugs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/antivirals/whatyoushould.htm. Nov. 21, 2012.
  5. Dolin R. Epidemiology of influenza. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  6. Longo DL, et al. Harrison's Online. 18th ed. New York, N.Y.: The McGraw-Hill Companies; 2012. http://www.accessmedicine.com/resourceTOC.aspx?resourceID=4. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  7. Influenza antiviral medications: Summary for clinicians. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/professionals/antivirals/summary-clinicians.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  8. Zachary KC. Treatment of seasonal influenza in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  9. What you should know for the 2012-2013 influenza season. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/about/season/flu-season-2012-2013.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  10. Preventing the flu: Good health habits can help stop germs. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. http://www.cdc.gov/flu/protect/habits.htm. Accessed Nov. 21, 2012.
  11. Steckelberg JM (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Nov. 30, 2012.
  12. Jefferson T, et al. Neuraminidase inhibitors for preventing and treating influenza in healthy adults and children. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. http://www.thecochranelibrary.com/view/0/index.html. Accessed Nov. 24, 2012.
DS00081 Feb. 21, 2013

© 1998-2013 Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research (MFMER). All rights reserved. A single copy of these materials may be reprinted for noncommercial personal use only. "Mayo," "Mayo Clinic," "MayoClinic.com," "EmbodyHealth," "Enhance your life," and the triple-shield Mayo Clinic logo are trademarks of Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research.

  • Reprints
  • Print

  • Share on:

  • Email

Advertisement


Text Size: smaller largerlarger