Flu Complications

The most common complication is pneumonia, a lung infection that can be caused by the flu virus itself or by a bacterial infection. The flu can also cause bronchitis, sinus infections and ear infections, and it can make existing conditions like asthma, heart disease and diabetes worse.

Seek urgent medical care if there is difficulty breathing or shortness of breath, chest pain, a blue tinge to the lips, or sudden confusion. If someone is having trouble breathing, has blue lips or is confused, call triple zero (000) for an ambulance. For non-urgent advice, call healthdirect on 1800 022 222 to speak with a registered nurse.

Yes. Pneumonia is the most common serious complication of the flu. It can be primary viral pneumonia, caused by the flu virus, or secondary bacterial pneumonia, which develops while the body is fighting the infection. Pneumonia is a leading reason the flu can become life-threatening, particularly for people who are already vulnerable.

Yes. While the flu is often mild, it can cause very serious illness even in otherwise healthy people, sometimes requiring hospitalisation. Severe illness can occur in healthy children and younger adults as well as in higher-risk groups, which is why annual vaccination is recommended for everyone aged 6 months and over.

People at higher risk include adults aged 65 and over, children under 5, pregnant women, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, and people with chronic conditions such as heart disease, lung conditions, diabetes, kidney disease or a weakened immune system. Obesity and smoking also increase the risk of severe flu.

ATAGI recommends annual influenza vaccination for everyone aged 6 months and over, and the Australian Immunisation Handbook notes that vaccinating older people reduces hospitalisations from influenza and pneumonia. Corporate Care follows these national recommendations. Vaccination is the main way to reduce the chance of severe flu and its complications.