Information for people who are severely obese
Information from around the world indicates that people who are extremely overweight may be more likely to have a severe illness from pandemic (H1N1) 2009 influenza. Despite this, most people who are morbidly obese will have mild symptoms from this new virus, and recover within a week. This is especially so if they seek medical care early if they develop a fever AND cough and/or sore throat.
How overweight do you have to be to be considered at higher risk?
People who have a body mass index greater than 40 are considered to be very severely obese and seem to be at higher risk of severe illness from pandemic influenza.
In general, being overweight or obese is not good for your health, and a waist measurement of greater than 94cm for adult men or 80cm for adult women is an indicator of internal fat deposits, which can coat the heart, kidneys, liver and pancreas, and increase the risk of chronic disease.
For more information, visit www.measureup.gov.au
Why are severely obese people at higher risk from flu?
We don’t know yet whether severely obese people get sicker because they are more likely to have other health problems like heart disease or asthma, or whether the excess fat itself makes them more vulnerable. It might be both.
If a severely obese person suffers respiratory complications it is harder to treat than normal and can be fatal.
Seek medical care early
If you are obese or if you have any underlying health problems (chronic illness) and get sick with flu symptoms, you may be offered antivirals to help you get better quickly. Antivirals must be started within 48 hours of the start of illness for them to work properly, and the sooner they are started, the better.
Phone 1800 358 362 (1800 FLU DOC). You will be put through to a Registered Nurse who will assess you over the phone and advise what to do and where to go for face-to-face assessment if necessary. Alternatively, phone your doctor. If you cannot get an appointment within 24 hours, phone 1800 358 362.
Download this information
- Information for people who are obese
(PDF, 794.6 kb)
Related documents
- Protect yourself from the flu (PDF, 598.7 kb)
- What to do if you think you have flu (PDF, 237.5 kb)
- What to do if you're exposed to flu (PDF, 367.2 kb)
More fact sheets, posters and other documents are available in the resources section of the site.
