The flu can produce symptoms that range from mild to severe. In some cases, it can even lead to a life-threatening case of pneumonia, encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and sepsis.
In this video, learn the risk factors that make severe cases of the flu more likely.
References
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). People at increased risk of flu complications.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). Signs and symptoms of flu.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2025). Preventing seasonal flu.
Why trust our experts?
Written by:
Hilary WeissmanHilary Weissman has been a health writer for the past 6 years. She was a senior copywriter at WW (Weight Watchers) before joining GoodRx and was also a copy editor in S&P Global’s structured finance ratings group for 3 years prior.
Reviewed by:
Brian Clista, MDDr. Clista is a board-certified pediatrician who works in private practice in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He previously served as a National Health Service Corporation Scholar in the inner city of Pittsburgh for 11 years.
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