EVERY year, millions of people get the seasonal flu, often called the flu. The flu is a respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs.

The flu is a mild illness for some people. But for other people, including older adults and those with chronic (long-term) illnesses, the flu can be very serious and even life-threatening. Getting a flu shot every year can help prevent the flu. The vaccine is safe, effective, and available at little or no cost to you.

Most people who get the flu feel better after a few days or two weeks. However, the flu can make you very sick. Some people develop other health problems, called complications, from the flu. Complications can be mild, such as a sinus or ear infection, or more serious, such as pneumonia.

Anyone can get sick from the flu, but some people are more likely to have complications. You are at greater risk of contracting the flu and its complications if:

1) are 65 years old or older.

2) have certain medical conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or chronic kidney disease.

3) have heart disease or have had a stroke

4) live in a nursing home or other long-term care facility

Flu vaccination is especially important for people in these higher risk groups.

The flu is more dangerous for older adults for several reasons. One reason is that the immune system, which helps the body fight infections, weakens as we age. For example, because your body is busy fighting the flu, you could get a secondary infection like pneumonia. A second reason is that older adults are also more likely to have other health conditions, such as diabetes, that increase their risk of complications from the flu.

The good news is that the flu vaccine reduces the risk of getting the flu and getting seriously ill if you get the flu. The flu vaccine is especially helpful for people with chronic illnesses. For example, it has been linked to lower rates of heart problems (cardiac events) among people with heart disease and fewer hospitalizations among people with chronic lung diseases or diabetes.

Source: US National Institute on Aging