Who is at increased risk for flu complications?

Children younger than 5 years old - particularly children younger than 2 years old, adults 65 years of age or older and pregnant women.

Persons with chronic diseases of the lung (including asthma), heart (except hypertension), kidney, liver, blood (including sickle cell disease), brain or nervous system, muscles (particularly those that cause difficulty with swallowing), or metabolism (including diabetes mellitus); immunosuppressant (weakened immune system) including that caused by medications or by HIV.

Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy because of an increased risk for Reye syndrome.

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1. Who is at increased risk for flu complications?
2. What is influenza?
3. Does everyone with the flu need to see a health care provider or get tested and treated?
4. I think I have the flu. Can I get tested and treatment for H1N1 influenza or seasonal flu?
5. Who needs to call or visit a health care provider?
6. When should I see a medical provider or go to an emergency room right away?