The flu, often confused with the common cold, might not be taken seriously as an illness by many people, but quite a few complications can arise because of the severity of the symptoms of flu. Also, while the flu virus might not cause death by itself, this infection can progressively worsen other health conditions, which could become fatal.

The people who are typically at significant risk from the potential complications of the flu are pregnant women and new mothers, infants and children under the age of five whose immune systems are not yet fully developed, adult men and women over the age of 65 whose immune systems are weakened because of age, morbidly obese people, residents of nursing homes and aided care facilities who suffer from heart or lung diseases, and people with other chronic or critical medical conditions like cancer, cerebral palsy, diabetes, HIV, lupus, liver disorders, or spinal cord injury.

Chest congestion, chills, cough, high fever, a headache, fatigue and body ache, nausea and diarrhea, runny or stuffy nose, and sore throat are common symptoms of the flu. In some people, other complications can also arise:

• The existing asthma symptoms can worsen because of increased vulnerability to potential allergens and active inflammation of the airways.
• The flu virus can cause encephalitis or inflammation of the brain tissues. This can be properly treated, but it can lead to confusion, deafness, memory loss, or possible seizures in severe cases.
• Myocarditis or inflammation and destruction of the heart muscle tissues can result in heart failure.
• Pneumonia, arising from a reduced supply of oxygen to the lungs, results in inflammation of the lungs. This gives rise to shortness of breath and acute chest pain.
• In pregnant women, the flu can lead to premature babies, underweight babies, or the babies might have birth defects in their brain or spine, and the complications of the flu can also result in the death of pregnant women sometimes.
• Sepsis can be the direct result of active infections caused by pneumonia or the flu. It can invariably lead to the weakening or breakdown of the effective functioning of major internal organs.
• Sometimes other strains of the influenza virus can create neurological complications, especially in vulnerable children who suffer from a high fever because of the flu.
• Sinus infections can develop because of fluid buildup in the sinuses.
• Ear infections are invariably caused by a swelling in the throat and inner ear. In addition, the accumulation of phlegm can result in bacterial infections inside the ear. Temporary hearing loss can also be a result of flu.
• Chronic heart diseases can worsen because of the stress thrust upon the body by the flu virus. It can have adverse effects on blood pressure and the functioning of the heart.

As the flu is a contagious viral infection that typically affects the respiratory tract, it is impossible to prevent the disease. It is important to be aware of the prominent symptoms of flu-related complications and learn when it can possibly become an emergency and seek medical help immediately.