Flu season is something most of us have gotten used to, with millions of people coming down with it every year. The flu is a deeply unpleasant condition that can derail your life for a few days to a couple of weeks, but many people recover without medical intervention. However, there’s a chance of experiencing complications from the flu, which can in some cases be life-threatening. Here’s what you need to know about flu complications and who is at the highest risk.

What Are Flu Complications?

There are a variety of complications that you can suffer from a bout of influenza, including:

• Sinus and ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Widespread inflammation
• Sepsis and Septic Shock
  
• Febrile Seizures
  
• Death 
  
• Uncontrolled Hyperglycemia in Diabetic Patients, leading to Diabetic Ketoacidosis 

These complications range from inconvenient to life-threatening. The flu is serious business and in some cases it is a true medical emergency. Please be safe and take care of yourself and seek out the care of your primary care doctor. 

High-Risk Populations

Several risk factors can up your chances of developing complications. People in the following groups are especially at risk:

• Children: Kids are still growing, and their immune systems develop at different paces. The younger the child, the more at risk they are for developing flu complications.
• Pregnant women: Being pregnant is a full-time job that tends to spread resources thin, giving the immune system fewer resources to fight off potential complications.
• People over 65: Our immune systems weaken as we age, making older adults a high-risk group for complications.
• Diabetics: The flu can cause a Diabetics patients blood sugar to rise, as the body fights the virus, and can lead to uncontrolled hyperglcemia & Diabetic Ketoacidosis
• People in nursing homes: Those who are over 65, live in close quarters with others and receive long-term care are particularly vulnerable to flu complications.

People with chronic health conditions and who are immunocompromised for any reason are also more likely to contract a flu that spirals out of control.

Reducing the Risk of Flu Complications

So how can you lower your chances of having to deal with complications from a nasty flu? Whether you’re part of a high-risk population or not, the following three tips can help you stay healthy this flu season.

1. Get the Vaccine

The best way to avoid complications is to sidestep the flu before you get it. The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older get the flu vaccine each season.

2. Pick up Healthy Habits

There are a variety of ways you can halt the spread of the flu to help prevent yourself and others from becoming infected. They include:

• Avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick
• Staying home if you get sick
• Covering your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
• Washing your hands with soap frequently
• Wear a N95 Mask both to avoid illness and if you do get sick, to stop the spread. 

3. Stay Hydrated

Hydration is essential for prevention as well as for preventing complications if you do get the flu. Proper hydration can help:

• Strengthen the immune system
• Lower fever
• Reduce headaches
• Improve absorption of nutrients
• Maintain blood volume and pressure in the face of fluid loss from nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea 

When you’re sick, staying hydrated isn’t as easy as drinking eight glasses of water a day — especially if you’re having trouble keeping food and liquid down! If you feel like you’re getting sick or need relief from worsening symptoms, IV vitamins and electrolytes along with saline can hydrate you quickly and completely. 

IV Hydration From Arizona IV Medics

If you’re interested in quick and easy mobile IV for flu symptoms, reach out to Arizona IV Medics. We offer a variety of IV hydration packages to boost your immune system and bring relief from a variety of flu symptoms. Contact us today to learn more about our convenient in-home services.