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Risk factors
By Mayo Clinic staffYou're at increased risk of influenza or its complications if you:
- Are an infant or young child
- Are over age 50
- Are a resident of a nursing home or other long term care facility
- Have a chronic disorder, such as diabetes or heart, kidney or lung disease
- Have a weakened immune system, such as from medications or HIV infection
- Will be pregnant during flu season
- Work in a health care facility where you're more likely to be exposed to the flu virus
- Are in regular, close contact with infants or young children
Children on long-term aspirin therapy also may be at greater risk.
The flu vaccine is safe for children 6 months and older. If your child isn't at risk of the flu but lives with someone who is, you still may want to have your child vaccinated. That way, your child is less likely to infect others. The more people immunized, the less likely it is that the flu will spread through a community.
