How many peoples get the flu every year?

The number of people who get the flu every year varies significantly and can fluctuate depending on the strain of the virus, population immunity, and public health measures in place. However, here are some estimates based on data from the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC):

- Worldwide: The WHO estimates that influenza viruses cause 1 billion cases of illness, 3 to 5 million cases of severe illness, and 290,000 to 650,000 deaths annually.

- United States: According to the CDC, the average number of influenza-associated hospitalizations in the United States during the 2010-2020 decade ranged from 140,000 to 710,000 per year. The estimated number of influenza-associated deaths during this period ranged from 12,000 to 52,000 annually.

- Europe: The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) estimates that the average annual number of influenza cases in the European Union and European Economic Area (EU/EEA) countries during the 2017-2018 season was 28.6 million, resulting in approximately 15,200 deaths.

These numbers represent a significant burden on healthcare systems and public health resources. Influenza vaccination and preventive measures, such as proper hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette, are crucial for reducing the spread of the flu and mitigating its impact on individuals and communities.