Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. It can cause mild to severe illness, and can lead to death. The best way to prevent the seasonal flu is by getting a seasonal flu vaccination annually.

Each year in the United States on average, 5% to 20% of the population gets the flu; on average, more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu-related complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu-related causes. Some people, such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions, are at higher risk for serious flu complications.

This information is compiled from Centers for Disease Control (CDC) web site; for more information, please visit http://www.cdc.gov.