The flu is a serious disease that kills. Over a period of 31 flu seasons between 1976 and 2007, estimates of flu-associated deaths in the United States range from about 3,000 to 49,000 people.
Most deaths occur in people 65 years old and older. The “seasonal flu season” in the United States can begin as early as October and last as late as May. The Center for Disease Control recommends that everyone over six months old get a flu shot, but certain people are more at risk than others. You should get a flu shot if you:
- Have asthma, diabetes, or chronic lung disease
- Are pregnant
- Are younger than 5 years (especially those younger than 2)
- Are 65 years and older
- Live with or care for people with asthma, diabetes, or chronic lung disease
- Have contact with infants less than 6 months old
- Work in the healthcare field