It is the complications of #flu that are dangerous. The most common complication is a bacterial chest infection, which can develop into pneumonia. Other complications include:
Middle ear infection (otitis media)
#SepticShock (a severe and life-threatening infection of the whole body)
#Meningitis (inflammation of the covering of the brain). See the Meningitis Research Foundation website for more detailed information on the signs and symptoms of meningitis.
#Encephalitis (inflammation of the brain)
Serious complications can affect anyone, even healthy people. They are more common in babies under six months, older people, those with certain long-term medical conditions, and pregnant women.
During pregnancy, the baby may be affected, causing premature birth, low birth weight, or even death.
In the UK an average of 600 people a year die from complications of seasonal flu. However in 2013-14, it is estimated that about 11,000 people died from flu-related causes.
Brittney Peters talks about losing a child to #Flu infection. Grateful thanks to Families Fighting Flu
