Who is part of the risk group for influenza?

Who is part of the risk group for influenza?

• A. Children under 5 years old
• B. Persons over 65 years old
• C. Health care workers
• D. Individuals with chronic conditions

Answer: (B)

Individuals over 65 years old are considered part of the risk group for influenza because as people age, their immune systems tend to weaken, making them more susceptible to complications from infections like influenza. This age group is at a higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and even death when they contract the virus. Vaccination against influenza is strongly recommended for older adults to lower the chances of severe outcomes. While children under 5 years old, health care workers, and individuals with chronic conditions are also at risk for influenza and its complications, the focus of the question is on identifying one specific group. Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to age-related factors affecting immune response, hence their inclusion in the high-risk category for influenza.

Individuals over 65 years old are considered part of the risk group for influenza because as people age, their immune systems tend to weaken, making them more susceptible to complications from infections like influenza. This age group is at a higher risk for severe illness, hospitalization, and even death when they contract the virus. Vaccination against influenza is strongly recommended for older adults to lower the chances of severe outcomes.

While children under 5 years old, health care workers, and individuals with chronic conditions are also at risk for influenza and its complications, the focus of the question is on identifying one specific group. Older adults are particularly vulnerable due to age-related factors affecting immune response, hence their inclusion in the high-risk category for influenza.