Jennifer Mendoza
Research expert covering health, pharma and medtech
Influenza in the U.S. - Statistics & Facts
In the year 1900, influenza and pneumonia caused around 202 deaths per 100,000 population in the United States, making them the leading cause of death at that time. Although influenza and pneumonia are currently not among the ten leading causes of death in the United States, they still create a significant health burden and can be especially dangerous among young children and the elderly. Symptoms of influenza, or the flu, range from mild to severe, and include a sore throat, cough, runny nose, fever, headache, and muscle pains. Influenza is a common cause of pneumonia, and symptoms of both diseases are similar, with pneumonia being a more serious infection of the lungs and carrying a higher risk of death. Influenza outbreaks occur yearly around the world, with outbreaks in the United States usually occurring in late fall and winter. Flu symptoms can be treated with over-the-counter products, but the most effective way to prevent the flu is with a yearly flu vaccination.
