Flu Statistics

Influenza is a type of illnesses that has a profound effect on the public at-large. It's a seasonal virus which can result in a high level of productivity loss and health care costs, and in this article, we'll examine some statistics regarding the flu to increase your knowledge of the influenza virus.

-- In the United States, the flu affects a large number of people on a yearly basis. Statistics show that approximately one out of every three individuals within the United States will face a problem with influenza per year. This accounts for a total of 97.9 million people in the United States alone being afflicted with influenza on a yearly basis! When you place the numbers into a different statistical format, you can see that three people are afflicted with the flu per second in the United States.

-- The flu can be more deadly than most of us think. It's an illness that can be especially threatening to those who may have weakened immune systems, and the elderly and children are especially at risk. Between twenty thousand and forty thousand people die from the flu in the United States on a yearly basis. As a matter of fact, the seventh leading cause of death in the United States has been listed as Pneumonia/Influenza, as the illnesses often occur in tandem and can be extremely threatening. The elderly are at the highest risk for dying from influenza, and those aged one to four are the second most at-risk group.

-- The health care costs associated with influenza are vast. Approximately 100,000 hospital visits per year are due to patients having some problem with the influenza virus.

-- The current pandemic threat that the world is facing is known as the avian flu. Denoted by the scientific term H5N1, this strain of influenza has spread to some humans, causing a great global concern. As of so far, the mortality rate for those with the avian flu rests at 57 percent, with over 225 cases being reported. The threat will increase tenfold if the disease finds a way to spread from human to human, which is a very possible and frightening reality.

By reading these statistics, you can see that the problem with influenza may have a more profound influence on society than you once thought. Many work days are lost due to the illness, and many die from it. To that end, it's important to keep yourself safe from the virus as best you can; be sure you wash your hands regularly and avoid physical contact with those who have come down with the flu. Vaccines are available for those who want to be prepared for the flu season. You can also take preventative medications if you feel that you are in a high risk environment for catching the flu. If you are facing a serious problem with the flu, be sure to consult your physician before the illness can have a profound effect on your personal health.