How dangerous is influenza?
Most people infected with the influenza virus recover in about seven days. However, influenza can weaken the body’s ability to fight off other serious infections, such as pneumonia or bronchitis. This is especially dangerous for young children, pregnant women, the elderly and people who have chronic medical conditions, such as heart or lung disease, kidney disease, diabetes, cancer, or conditions that suppress the immune system. Children are hospitalized by influenza more than any other age group. Depending on the severity of the influenza season, it is estimated that 4,000 Canadians, 100 to 150 people in New Brunswick, will die annually from influenza and its complications. Most of these deaths are among seniors and those with medical conditions that put them at high risk of influenza complications.
