Impact of the Flu

Influenza's impact still disrupts the lives of millions

The following chart shows the mortality rates of other diseases compared to those for influenza.

Mortality rates comparable to some cancers and higher than HIV

1 2 Causes of Death, US (2003) and Influenza-Related Deaths

Seasonal influenza has been responsible for approximately 36,000 deaths and 226,000 hospitalizations annually in the US.²

Influenza has a significant impact on morbidity and mortality — which is why there is still a strong need to treat and prevent this serious disease. Treating and preventing influenza infection may even save lives.

Influenza takes its toll — from corporations to families to hospital beds

Children ≤7 years of age lose an average of 2.5 school days to influenza³
Adults can lose an average of:
- 2.4 days incapacitated or confined to a bed⁴
- 2.8 work days being sick with influenza⁴
- 1.3 work days caring for a child ≤7 years of age with influenza³
Up to 111 million adult workdays — costing $7 billion — are lost every year to influenza in sick days and lost productivity⁵

Halting the proliferation of the influenza virus can help reduce the duration of illness.

Next topic: Flu Contagiousness