Some people are at a higher risk of developing complications from common illnesses, which makes it’s important to focus on prevention (like getting a flu shot) and getting proper care if you do get sick.
Dehydration
The flu and common cold may cause diarrhea and vomiting and can decrease your appetite. As a result, you can get dehydrated.
Symptoms of dehydration include:
Dry mouthDark-colored urineLittle or no urinationFatigueHeadache
Do your best to prevent dehydration by consuming liquids such as water, herbal teas, soups, and smoothies. Try to sit up for at least half an hour after drinking or eating. You may need to sip slowly and space out your intake throughout the day if you’re feeling nauseated. It’s ok to take it slow.
Ear Infections
Ear infections, especially middle ear infections, can occur after a cold or the flu. Although adults do get them, they are more common in children.
Ear infections can be quite painful. Taking acetaminophen or ibuprofen will not cure them, but can relieve pain. Children younger than 6 months can be given acetaminophen, but not ibuprofen.
In some cases, these infections can be treated with antibiotics if they are bacterial.
Older children and adults are usually able to recognize an ear infection based on pain alone. For younger children, identifying an ear infection is a bit more difficult.
Be on the lookout for these signs:
Pulling on the earTilting head from one sideCrying more than usualDifficulty sleepingDrainage from the earProblems with balance or hearingUnexplained fever
Sinus Infections
Sinus infections occur when the sinus cavities get infected, and mucus often builds up as well. These infections can be uncomfortable or painful, and they affect people of all ages.
Symptoms of sinus infections include:
Pain or pressure in the face, especially around the eyes and noseCongestionHeadacheFeverWeakness and fatigueSore throatCough that may become worse at nightBad breathLoss of sense of smell
Symptoms of sinus infections are treatable with decongestants, pain relievers, saline sprays, and rinses. Sometimes antibiotics can treat the infection.
Bronchitis
A nagging cough that lasts longer than two weeks may be a sign of bronchitis. This infection is usually caused by a virus, which means that it can’t be treated with antibiotics.
Symptoms of bronchitis include:
A cough that may start dry and painful, and become productive with yellow or green mucus Sore throat Chest pain Chest congestion Shortness of breath Wheezing Chills Body aches
If you notice any of the above, see your healthcare provider, who can evaluate you and recommend a treatment plan.
Pneumonia
A painful, productive cough may indicate pneumonia. This condition is marked by a lung infection in which the lungs’ air sacs fill up with pus or inflammation that interferes with oxygen flow.
Pneumonia is typically a secondary infection—one that occurs after you’ve had an infection such as a cold or the flu. It may be viral or a co-infection of a virus and bacteria.
Symptoms of pneumonia are:
Frequent, painful, and/or productive cough Extreme fatigue Chest pain Fever Chills Headaches Shortness of breath Cyanosis (bluish or grayish coloring around the mouth ) Confusion or altered mental state
Rare Complications
The following complications are much less common, but they are serious. If the flu virus creeps into organs such as the brain or heart, it can cause widespread inflammation that may be life-threatening.
Serious complications include:
Myocarditis: Inflammation of the heart Encephalitis: Inflammation of the brain Multi-organ failure: Including respiratory and kidney failure Sepsis: An infection in the bloodstream
People at Greatest Risk
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), those at the highest risk for complications resulting from the flu include people who have a weak immune system.
The following are high-risk populations:
People age 65 and olderChildren under age 5, especially those under age 2Pregnant peopleAnyone with chronic medical conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart diseaseThose undergoing chemotherapy, who have had an organ transplant, who have HIV, or have another medical circumstance that affects the immune system
A Word From Verywell
If you have recently had a cold or the flu and your symptoms have changed, worsened, or have not improved after two weeks, you should see your healthcare provider. A visit to your healthcare provider will help you identify what is causing your symptoms and get you on the right treatment plan so you can avoid serious complications.
