Navigation links


Flu Clinic Locator

Flu Clinic Locator

Find out more


Chronic Illness


Don’t Let Influenza Complicate Your Illness

Influenza can make existing medical conditions much worse. If you have a chronic medical condition such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, or heart disease, influenza can cause serious complications—and sometimes even death.

Getting a flu shot every year can lower those risks. An analysis by the American Lung Association found that if 100% of people with asthma received the influenza vaccine, up to 136,000 hospitalizations could be prevented each year.

If you or someone you know has one of the following conditions, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that you get a flu shot each and every year:1

  • Asthma
  • COPD
  • Heart disease
  • Lung disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Metabolic diseases, such as diabetes
  • Anemia and other blood disorders
  • Weakened immune system

It also is important for caregivers and household contacts for the chronically ill to get the flu shot every year.1 These include parents, grandparents, siblings, babysitters, and day care providers.

Did you know?


AMERICAN LUNG ASSOCIATION®

The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health.