Some people are more likely to become very ill as a result of flu (influenza) and may therefore end up in hospital, develop severe complications and even die. This applies to you if:
- you have a chronic disease that affects your heart or blood vessels.
- you have a lung disease, such as asthma or COPD.
- you have a kidney disease that makes them less effective.
- you have a disease of your muscles or nerves.
- you have had a bone marrow transplant.
- you are infected with HIV.
- you have diabetes.
- you have cancer.
- you have poor immunity. This may be due to illness, medical treatment such as chemotherapy, or medicines that lower your immunity. For example, you will be prescribed these medicines if you have received a new kidney.
- you are more than 60 years old.
- you are severely overweight.
- you are more than 22 weeks pregnant. Your baby will then be better protected against flu and the consequences of flu after birth.