Although most people are ill for only a few days, some have a much more serious illness and may need to be hospitalized. Thousands of people die each year from influenza-related illnesses.
Most deaths caused by influenza are in elderly people.
The viruses that cause influenza change often. Each year a new influenza vaccine is made using viruses that are thought to be most likely to come to the United States, or ones very similar to them. People who are at risk for getting a serious case of influenza or a complication should get the vaccine. Residents of long term care facilities housing persons of any age with chronic medical conditions. Women who will be more than 3 months pregnant during the influenza season.