<h2>What complications can I get from the flu?</h2>

<p>Most people experience mild illness and recover from flu in less than one week. However, some people develop severe flu and may experience complications. The flu can also make some existing medical conditions worse (see below). In a minority of cases, flu requires admission to hospital.</p>

<p>See your doctor if you are concerned about your symptoms or if you are in a high-risk group and have a cough and/or high fever (38 deg Celsius or more) that is not improving.</p>

<h2>Who is at risk of serious illness from the flu?</h2>

<p>Although anybody, at any age, can become seriously ill from flu or its complications, some people are at more risk than others. Australians at highest risk of being hospitalised with flu are:</p>

<ul>
	<li>People aged 65 and older;</li>
	<li>Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people;</li>
	<li>People with certain long-term medical conditions (see below);</li>
	<li>People who have a weakened immune system;</li>
	<li>People who are obese;</li>
	<li>Smokers;</li>
	<li>People who haven’t been vaccinated against the flu;</li>
	<li>Pregnant women; and</li>
	<li>Infants.</li>
</ul>

<p>Medical conditions that can lead to a serious case of the flu include:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Heart disease;</li>
	<li>Down syndrome;</li>
	<li>Lung disease;</li>
	<li>Conditions of the nervous system (such as multiple sclerosis);</li>
	<li>Liver disease;</li>
	<li>Kidney disease;</li>
	<li>Diabetes;</li>
	<li>Blood diseases; and</li>
	<li>Metabolic disorders.</li>
</ul>

<p>Flu can also make pre-existing medical problems worse. For example, people with asthma may experience asthma attacks and people with chronic heart disease may experience a worsening of the condition.</p>

<h2>When should you see a doctor for the flu?</h2>

<p>Most healthy people will recover in less than one week from the flu, but you should seek medical help immediately if you have any of the following:</p>

<ul>
	<li>Concerns about your health;</li>
	<li>Difficulty breathing;</li>
	<li>Chest pain;</li>
	<li>Sudden dizziness;</li>
	<li>Confusion;</li>
	<li>Severe vomiting;</li>
	<li>A rash and fever.</li>
</ul>

<p><strong>Children</strong><br />
You should take your child to a doctor if they have flu symptoms and a chronic medical condition, or if they experience signs of serious illness like poor feeding, dehydration or difficulty breathing, or if you are otherwise concerned about their illness.</p>

<p><strong>Medically at-risk people</strong><br />
Anyone with a chronic medical condition, or who is otherwise at-risk should see a doctor immediately if they have flu-like symptoms. See above for a list of at-risk people.</p>

<h2>Does a flu shot prevent complications?</h2>

<p>An annual flu shot is recommended for all Australians 6 months and older to help protect against catching the flu and help reduce the severity of illness if you do get the flu. Talk to your GP or pharmacist about flu vaccines and how you can protect yourself against the flu.</p>
