The flu can make these chronic conditions worse

The flu is a nasty health problem. Over 390,000 people were hospitalized for flu in the U.S. during the 2023-2024 season, with over 25,000 deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 

And those with certain chronic health conditions can be hit even harder each flu season. In addition to ensuring widespread vaccination, knowing what those health issues are and why they are so sensitive to getting the flu can help save lives, says Dr. Andres Giraldo, an internal medicine physician at Advocate Health Care.

“Many chronic health problems can be made worse by the flu, particularly those that tax your immune system and its ability to fight off infections,” he says.

Heart disease

The connection between flu hospitalizations and heart disease is surprising. A CDC study found that one out of every eight adult patients who had been hospitalized with flu over the last eight flu seasons had a serious heart complication occur. 

Asthma

People with asthma are at high risk of developing serious flu complications, even if their asthma is mild or controlled by medication.

People with asthma can develop swollen and sensitive airways. Flu can cause further inflammation of the airways and lungs and trigger asthma attacks. To make matters more dire, those with asthma are more likely to develop pneumonia after getting the flu than those that don’t have the respiratory condition.

Diabetes

“Even when it is well-managed, diabetes can still greatly affect or predispose patients toward certain health outcomes, including flu-related complications,” says Dr. Giraldo.

According to the CDC, about 30% of adult flu hospitalizations were tied to those who had diabetes. Those with diabetes are more likely to see pneumonia, bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections associated with their flu. It can also make it harder to control blood sugar, as the sickness can reduce your appetite.

Kidney disease

Like diabetes, chronic kidney disease weakens your body’s immune system, making it easier for you to get sick with the flu.

“No matter what stage of the disease they have, including those who are going through dialysis treatment or had a kidney transplant, the flu can go from inconvenient to dangerous quickly,” says Dr. Giraldo.

You should also speak to your health care provider this flu season if:

• You are pregnant
• Are aged 65 and older
• Have young children
• Are immunocompromised

“It is said each year, but getting your annual flu shot isn’t just to protect you,” says Dr. Giraldo. “There are people who depend on herd immunity to reduce the chance they are infected with it.”

Learn more about flu shots in Illinois or Wisconsin. You can also learn your risk for diabetes by taking a free online quiz.