Every year, on average, 5% to 20% of people in the U.S. 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 an average of 36,000 U.S. residents die each year from influenza and its complications. This is more than double the 17,000 Americans who die annually from AIDS, similar to the 42,000 Americans who die each year from breast cancer, and half the 73,000 Americans who 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.