Speaking of the vulnerable, children, senior citizens and those with compromised immune systems have the highest risk of their illnesses turning into something serious, including death. Each year, 90 percent of the people who die from the flu and its complications are seniors.
Cold and Flu Complications
Complications of the common cold aren’t as serious compared to those of the flu. But they are nothing to sneeze at and should be watched. That simple cold could balloon into allergies, ear infections or a nagging cough, which could be a sign of either asthma or bronchitis. Your immune system might be weakened enough to allow bacterial infections of the sinuses and throat, resulting in sinus infections and strep throat.
Pneumonia is the most common complication of the flu, whether the origin is bacterial or viral. One-third of pneumonia cases originate with the influenza virus. Complications of pneumonia (inflammation of the lungs) include fluid buildup in and around lungs, bacteria in the bloodstream, and acute respiratory distress syndrome. There are also signs such as muscle inflammation (myositis) and infections of the central nervous system or the sac around the heart (pericarditis). Pneumonia symptoms include coughing with very little mucus, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, sore throat, fatigue, shortness of breath, muscle aches and rapid breathing.
Myocarditis is the inflammation and destruction of heart tissue that can lead to fast heart failure. Symptoms involve swelling of the calves or ankles, chest pain when breathing, and difficulty breathing. Some will recover with few to no lasting effects of myocarditis. Others will need cardiac medications for the rest of their lives, and still others will need heart transplants.
Bronchitis is the bacterial or viral infection of the lungs that causes inflammation and irritation to the airways. Symptoms may be shortness of breath, a cough accompanied by thick, yellow or blood-streaked mucus, fatigue, chills and mild fever. Bronchitis can lead to asthma, emphysema, pneumonia, heart failure or pulmonary hypertension if left unchecked. See the doctor if you experience symptoms.