Annual Probability of Flu Hospitalization
~0.1%
Annual probability in US
About 1 in 1,000 Americans are hospitalized for influenza each year, with rates much higher for those over 65.
Each flu season, the CDC estimates that influenza results in 140,000 to 710,000 hospitalizations in the United States, depending on the severity of the season. On average, approximately 300,000 to 400,000 flu hospitalizations occur annually, representing roughly 0.1% of the population.
Hospitalization risk is highest for adults 65 and older (who account for about 50-70% of flu hospitalizations), children under 5, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions such as asthma, heart disease, and diabetes. The hospitalization rate for seniors can be 5-10 times the overall population rate.
Annual flu vaccination reduces the risk of flu hospitalization by 40-60% in the general population and significantly reduces the risk of severe outcomes. Despite this, only about 50% of Americans get vaccinated each season. Influenza also causes an estimated 12,000 to 52,000 deaths per year in the US, making it a significant public health concern.
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