Why does having chronic chest problems put someone at greater risk from flu and its effects?

At Risk Group: Chronic chest problems (also known as lung or respiratory disease)

• People with chest problems including certain asthmatics on steroid inhalers or steroid tablets
• Those with chronic bronchitis & emphysema¹

Risk
Illnesses that affect the chest and lungs (known as respiratory diseases) also reduce someone's ability to cough, which can lead to a build up of fluid in the lungs. The flu virus can then get deep into the lungs and multiply. Patients are also prone to repeat infections, which can inflame the lungs and can make the condition worse². Finally, having flu puts patients at risk of other complications, particularly pneumococcal infection³.

Nurse Jenny Greenfield, Flu lead/Lead Nurse Cervical Screening Improvement, Public Health Directorate, discusses why people with chronic chest problems should have a flu vaccine to avoid the risk of serious illness.