4 Kinds of People Who Are High Risk for Flu Complications
Primary care is the backbone of a good, efficient health care system. Primary care providers can be physicians, physician’s assistants, and/or nurse practitioners who treat adults and children of all ages for their general health care needs.
If you do not have your own primary care provider (PCP), Aspen Medical Center can provide that service for you. We are professionally staffed with family physicians as well as family nurse practitioners (FNP) and physician’s assistants (PA). Our medical staff is trained to care for people of all ages, from infants to the elderly and everyone in between.
1) Toddlers and Kids Are At Risk For Flu
Children, especially kids who are under the age of five, are at risk for flu complications. This is due to the fact that their immune systems are not yet fully developed, and they may not have had a chance to build up immunity to the virus.
In addition, children often have close contact with other children, which increases their chances of exposure to the virus. Should there be any symptoms of flu, be sure to take them to urgent care and keep them indoors.
2) Senior Citizens
Senior citizens are at risk for flu or covid, particularly those who are over the age of 65, are at a higher risk of experiencing flu complications. This is because all our immune systems weaken as we age, and we are more likely to have chronic health conditions that raise our risk of complications.
They also may have other health conditions that put them at a higher risk for complications. Furthermore, older adults sometimes live in close quarters with other people, such as in nursing homes or assisted living facilities, which increases their risk of becoming infected.
3) Pregnant Women
Pregnant women are at risk for flu an a increased risk of complications from flu, particularly during the second and third trimesters. This is because the flu can lead to pneumonia, which can be very dangerous for pregnant women.
Additionally, the flu can cause premature labor and even stillbirth. Therefore, it is important for pregnant women to get a flu shot and take other precautions to avoid becoming infected with the virus.
4) Immunocompromised Patients
Immunocompromised patients may be at an increased at risk for flu for developing more severe forms of COVID-19. These patients should take extra care to avoid exposure to the virus, and if they do become infected, they should monitor their symptoms closely.
Some preventative measures may be taken to help reduce your risk of becoming infected. These measures include washing your hands often, avoiding close contact with people who are sick, and cleaning and disinfecting surfaces frequently used and touched.
Conclusion
Each group has its own unique risks and challenges when it comes to the flu, and it’s important to be a little more aware of them to best protect yourself and your loved ones. With a little knowledge and preparation, however, everyone can stay safe and healthy during flu season. It is important for them to get a flu vaccine every year to help protect them from the flu.
In need of urgent care? Aspen Medical Center is a locally owned outpatient medical facility in Santa Fe and Espanola, NM, offering state-of-the-art primary care and urgent care services. Visit us today.