Which children are at risk of complications from flu or flu-like illness?

For most children, flu or other flu-like viruses are a relatively mild illness which gets better on its own.

However, some children may be at greater risk of developing further complications if they get flu or a flu-like illness. These include some children with:

  • Lung or breathing problems (e.g. asthma)
  • Heart problems
  • Problems with the immune system
  • As well as conditions such as diabetes
  • Cerebral palsy
  • Down’s syndrome.

In addition, some children who were born prematurely, or who have previously had illnesses such as bronchiolitis or wheezing, may also be at greater risk of complications from flu or flu-like illness.

We asked Dr Kay Wang a GP and researcher with a specialist interest in flu or flu-like illness to help explain which children are at risk of complications from flu or ‘Flu-like illness’ and what sort of complications they can get.

Dr Wang explains which children are at risk of complications and what sort of complications they can get.

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For most children, influenza or flu-like illness’ are a relatively mild illness which gets better on its own.

However, some children may be at greater risk of developing complications if they get flu or a flu-like illness. These include some children with: lung or breathing problems such as asthma, heart problems, problems with the immune system, as well as children with conditions such as diabetes, cerebral palsy, and Down’s syndrome.

In addition, some children who were born prematurely, or who have previously had illnesses such as bronchiolitis or wheezing, may also be at greater risk of complications from flu or flu-like illness.

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What is flu or flu-like illness?

Flu-like illness is a non-specific collection of symptoms, including cough, fever, and muscle aches, which is often caused by infection with the influenza or other...

Flu or flu-like illness symptoms

Flu, also called Influenza, is particularly common in the winter months. A high temperature of 37.5, a dry chesty cough, a headache, fatigue and weakness,...