Rate of influenza-related hospitalizations in the U.S. in 2019-2020, by age group

In the United States, the highest rate of hospitalizations due to influenza were among those aged 65 years and older. During the 2019-2020 flu season, the rate of hospitalizations due to influenza among this age group was about 316 per 100,000 population, compared to a rate of just around 40 per 100,000 for those aged 5 to 17 years. Influenza is a common viral infection that usually does not require medical treatment. However, for the very young, the old, and those with certain pre-existing conditions, influenza can be serious and even deadly.

The burden of influenza in the United States

The impact of influenza in the United States varies from year to year depending on the strain that is most prevent during that season and the immunity in the population. Nevertheless, influenza and pneumonia are consistently among the top ten causes of death in the United States, accounting for 1.6 percent of all deaths in 2020. Preliminary estimates show that around 20,000 people died from influenza during the 2019-2020 flu season. However, during the 2017-2018 flu season, an estimated 52,000 people lost their lives to influenza.

The importance of flu vaccines

The best way to avoid catching the flu and to reduce the virus’s overall burden on society is by receiving an annual flu vaccination. The CDC currently recommends that everyone over 6 months of age should get a flu vaccination every year, preferably by the end of October. The flu vaccine is safe, efficient and reduces the number of illnesses, hospitalizations, and deaths caused by the virus. For example, during the 2018-2019 flu season it was estimated that vaccinations averted around 58 thousand influenza-related hospitalizations. However, despite the proven benefits and wide availability of flu vaccinations, a large percentage of people in the United States fail to receive a vaccination every year. During the 2020-2021 flu season, only about 38 percent of those aged 18 to 49 years were vaccinated against influenza, compared to 75 percent of those aged 65 years and older.