Influenza risks

Every year, on average, 5% to 20% of people in the US get influenza. If you've ever had it, you know: it's a lot more than a bad cold. In many cases, it's a serious health risk.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), as many as 200,000 people end up in the hospital every year because of influenza and its complications. They may have had problems such as bacterial pneumonia or dehydration. The influenza virus can also make people with conditions like heart disease, asthma, or diabetes much sicker. Children may develop sinus problems or ear infections.

Influenza and its complications can even be deadly. The CDC estimates that between 3,300-49,000 US residents die each year from influenza and its complications. For comparison, 17,000 Americans die annually from AIDS,¹ 42,000 Americans die each year from breast cancer, and 73,000 Americans die annually of diabetes and its complications.

Doctors usually recommend an annual influenza vaccination as a way to reduce your risk. Vaccination can help protect you and your loved ones, as well as friends and colleagues, from the risks and the health problems sometimes caused by influenza and its complications.

Last year it was recommended to get both seasonal and H1N1 flu shots. This year, the seasonal flu vaccine will include influenza A H1N1(2009).²