Flu or Flu-like illness in chronically ill or disabled children
Which children are at risk of complications from flu or flu-like illness?
For most children, flu or other flu-like viruses are a relatively mild illness which gets better on its own.
However, some children may be at greater risk of developing further complications if they get flu or a flu-like illness. These include some children with:
• lung or breathing problems (e.g. asthma),
• heart problems,
• problems with the immune system,
• as well as conditions such as diabetes,
• cerebral palsy, and
• Down’s syndrome.
In addition, some children who were born prematurely, or who have previously had illnesses such as bronchiolitis or wheezing, may also be at greater risk of complications from flu or flu-like illness.
We asked Dr Kay Wang a GP and researcher with a specialist interest in flu or flu-like illness to help explain which children are at risk of complications from flu or ‘Flu-like illness’ and what sort of complications they can get.
However, some children may be at greater risk of developing further complications if they get flu or a flu-like illness. These include some children with:
• lung or breathing problems (e.g. asthma),
• heart problems,
• problems with the immune system,
• as well as conditions such as diabetes,
• cerebral palsy, and
• Down’s syndrome.
In addition, some children who were born prematurely, or who have previously had illnesses such as bronchiolitis or wheezing, may also be at greater risk of complications from flu or flu-like illness.
We asked Dr Kay Wang a GP and researcher with a specialist interest in flu or flu-like illness to help explain which children are at risk of complications from flu or ‘Flu-like illness’ and what sort of complications they can get.
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