New survey shows two-thirds of at-risk Canadians don't think the flu is a "big deal" and are putting their health in jeopardy

It starts with a headache, chills or that all-over-achy feeling. It comes on quickly, yet too many Canadians ignore the rapid onset of flu symptoms.  But for the millions of Canadians at increased risk for developing serious complications from the flu, including people 65 and older, pregnant women and those with chronic medical conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, heart disease and diabetes, this 'laissez faire' attitude could be putting their health in jeopardy.

According to a new poll by the Ontario Lung Association, nearly two-thirds of at-risk Canadians don't recognize they face an increased possibility of developing severe and life threatening complications due to seasonal influenza. These complications send 20,000 people to the hospital each year and up to 8,000 individuals die from them.

The survey revealed four out of five (80 per cent) respondents said they hold off seeing their doctor because their symptoms are "manageable" and nearly three-quarters (70 per cent) don't seek a doctor's advice because they believe the only treatments are over-the-counter remedies.

Read the rest of this article on The Medical News site.