While getting an annual flu shot is the best way to for our communities to fight the flu, there are some people are at an especially high risk of flu related illnesses and complications. There are certain health and age factors that can affect how likely someone is to get the flu. Below is a comprehensive list of these health factors, straight from the CDC.
- Adults 65 years and older
- Children younger than 2 years old
- Blood disorders
- Asthma
- Heart disease
- Chronic lung disease
- Liver disorders
- Neurologic and neurodevelopment conditions
- Kidney diseases
- Endocrine disorders
- People who are obese with a body mass index (BMI) of 40 or higher
- Metabolic disorders
- People younger than 19 years old on long-term aspirin or salicylate-containing medications
- People who have had a stroke
- People with weakened immune system due to disease or medications
- People who live in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities
- Pregnant people and people up to 2 weeks after the end of pregnancy
- People from certain racial and ethnic minority groups are at increased risk for hospitalization with the flu, including Hispanic or Latino persons, non-Hispanic Black persons, and American Indian or Alaska Native persons.
If you are at higher risk of developing serious flu complications, vaccination is especially important. When you get a flu shot, you reduce your risk of getting sick and possibly being hospitalized or dying from the flu.
If you aren’t feeling well remember your local Health Choice is always happy to help! Our urgent care centers are open every day of the week 8:00 am to 8:00 pm- No appointment necessary! From 8am to 6pm we offer Rapid Antigen and send-out PCR COVID-19 testing, as well as COVID-19 antibody testing. To be seen by a provider, simply walk in, or save your spot online for visits between 8am and 6pm by clicking here! For information on E-registration to save time click here. Telemedicine options are available here. We look forward to helping you Get Better. Faster!
