As winter approaches every year, so does the flu season. The flu is a viral infection that affects millions of people every year, resulting in high absenteeism from schools and workplaces. As a professional, I know that one of the most commonly asked questions by people on the internet is, “how many US citizens contract the flu each year?” In this article, I will provide you with a brief overview of the answer to this question.
According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), millions of people in the United States contract the flu each year. The number of cases varies from one year to another, based on factors such as the severity of the flu strain, vaccination rates, and the effectiveness of the vaccine.
For instance, during the 2019-2020 flu season, the CDC estimates that up to 56 million people in the United States contracted the flu. This resulted in approximately 740,000 hospitalizations and 62,000 deaths. However, during the 2020-2021 season, the number of cases were significantly lower due to the effects of COVID-19 and the measures taken to limit the spread of the virus.
It`s essential to note that not all cases of flu are reported to the CDC. Therefore, the actual number of cases may be higher than what is reported. However, the CDC uses a model to estimate the number of infections based on data collected from various sources, including healthcare providers, hospitals, and laboratories.
It is also important to be aware that some cases of the flu are mild, and people recover without the need for medical attention. However, the flu can be severe, especially in vulnerable populations such as the elderly, young children, and people with underlying medical conditions.
The CDC recommends getting an annual flu vaccine to protect yourself and those around you from the virus. The vaccine may not prevent all cases of the flu, but it can reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent complications that can lead to hospitalization or death.
In conclusion, millions of people in the United States contract the flu each year, and the number of cases varies from one season to the next. The CDC provides estimates for the number of cases based on data collected from various sources. It`s important to take precautions and get vaccinated against the flu to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading the virus.