Complications of flu mostly affect people in high-risk groups such as the elderly, pregnant women and those who have a long-term medical condition or weakened immune system.
The most common complication is a bacterial chest infection. Occasionally, this can become serious and develop into pneumonia.
A course of antibiotics usually cures a chest infection or pneumonia, but it can very occasionally become life-threatening, particularly in the frail and elderly.
Other serious complications are uncommon.
Rare complications
Rare complications include:
- tonsillitis
- otitis media (a build-up of fluid in the ear)
- septic shock (infection of the blood that causes a severe drop in blood pressure)
- meningitis (infection in the brain and spinal cord)
- encephalitis (inflammation of the brain).
