It’s officially flu season again, just like every fall and winter. We all know how horrible it can be to get the flu, particularly if we have underlying chronic medical conditions like asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, which put extra stress on our bodies and immune systems.
One of the drawbacks of the flu is that different types of influenza viruses change annually, making prevention a dynamic national challenge. Even if we receive one influenza vaccination for the most prevalent strain, we could still contract the flu. I understand if you are against vaccines. I’m not here to agree or disagree with you. I love to look up stats.
Mark and I have just returned from a family reunion in California with my sisters, which lasted ten days. We were able to see our oldest daughter, a grandson, his sweet wife, and our new great-grandchild, who is now one year old.
We returned home after flying and going through airports. The next day, I could tell I was coming down with something. Did I go to the doctor? No, I know what they are going to do: take my temperature and check my vitals. I’m 99.99% sure I have the flu, not a cold. I am not a doctor or nurse, and it’s basically a guess. I’ve been sick for seven days now, and Mark has now caught it.
Influenza statistics by the numbers will tell you everything you need to know, including the flu shot, flu virus, and how to stay healthy during flu season. Please refer to the CDC for the most up-to-date and accurate information on current variants, the most often prescribed antiviral medication, and steps you should take to avoid flu-related severe complications.
Please remember that I am not a nurse, doctor, or medical professional. I like to know my options when it comes to dealing with sickness. Please consult with your healthcare professional to determine what works best for you. Every home should have an Oximeter to check oxygen levels. They are reasonable in price. Finger Oximeter
Influenza Statistics: What to Know About the Flu
What is the Influenza Virus?
The influenza virus consists of various viruses that cause the flu. The flu is a contagious respiratory illness that infects the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, often causing difficulty breathing, a flu cough, chest pain, and other symptoms, as listed below.
Influenza/Flu Symptoms
One of the drawbacks of the flu is that it can be difficult to distinguish from the common cold, as their symptoms are similar. Some symptoms that show you may have an influenza virus include:
- Fever
- Feeling feverish/chills
- Nausea-stomach flu
- Cough
- Sore throat
- Runny or stuffy nose
- Muscle or body aches
- Headaches
- Fatigue
- Sometimes, vomiting or diarrhea
- Ear Infections
- Sinus Infections
Complications of the flu can lead to severe illness, including hospitalization and life-threatening complications. You have to take your sickness seriously if you have a history of health issues that could be compromised and put you at higher risk. Everyday routines and natural life events, such as those experienced by pregnant women, can be affected if you contract the flu.
Flu viruses are unique and tricky. Since the flu is a virus, specific antiviral medicines can be prescribed, depending on the type of influenza, to fight your contagious viral infection. The emergence of new subtypes of influenza each year complicates treatment and prevention.
A sickness like pneumonia is treated similarly each year, as it is one of many bacterial infections, hence the name bacterial pneumonia. These are treated with antibiotics, and although new antibiotics are continually developed, specific ones are used repeatedly because bacterial strains tend not to change or mutate as rapidly as viruses do.
How do you Catch It: Influenza Statistics
Catching the flu is pretty easy to do. Those with the flu can spread it to others standing 6 feet away through tiny droplets that become airborne from our mouths. Airborne droplets fly into the air when someone coughs, sneezes, has a runny nose, or talks. Here are some statistics on the process of infection:
- Those infected with the flu are most contagious during the first 3-4 days.
- You can infect others for 24 hours before you even get symptoms.
- Those infected can pass the virus to others for 5-7 days after getting sick.
- It usually takes about 2 days for symptoms to appear after exposure.
If you catch the Flu
You should see a doctor if you contract the flu. Many doctors will prescribe Tamiflu for those with the flu. If you aren’t ready to visit the doctor or take prescription medication, you can try Natural Remedies that Work! If your symptoms don’t improve or worsen, seek medical treatment!
How Common is the Flu
The influenza virus is so common that not everyone infected each season can be identified with certainty; it can only be estimated. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the annual percentage of the U.S. population infected with the flu is approximately 8%. Here are some influenza statistics reported by the CDC from October 2019 to February 2020:
- 22 million to 31 million have had flu illnesses
- 10 million to 15 million people have visited the doctor for the flu.
- 210,000 to 370,000 people have been hospitalized for flu complications.
- 12,000 to 30,000 have died because of the flu, many in long-term care facilities.
You often hear about the flu or influenza because it is a widespread illness. As you can see, approximately 5% to 20% of the population contracts the flu each year. Studies have shown that adults typically get the flu twice per decade. However, children can catch the flu every other year, on average.
These are estimated ranges because not all flu cases are caught or reported. Nevertheless, even reported cases are significant in number.
You may want to invest in some N95 masks, as they can help prevent the spread of illness in your home, at work, at church, or at other gatherings that take you outside your home. N95 Masks (Please note that I saw several people at the airport in September 2025 wearing N95 masks.)
How To Stock Your Home Pharmacy
When is the Flu Most Common
It is now late November, and it seems like everyone around me is sick! That’s because the flu becomes the most prevalent in December and February. Although the flu can be detected throughout the year, historically, it begins to increase in October, peaks in December, and then increases further in February.
Influenza Statistics on Shots
Should you get the flu shot? Many experts agree that the most effective way to prevent the flu is to receive the flu shot annually. This is because it prevents the virus from being contracted. Additionally, if you do catch the flu, it lessens the symptoms. I’m not advocating for or against flu shots, but if you are more susceptible to sickness or disease, you should strongly consider getting the shot.
Just because you got the flu shot last year doesn’t mean you’re out of the woods, and you consider yourself one of the healthy people. The types of flu change and need to be addressed each year through the most current flu shot. I got the flu shot in 2023 and got Influenza A, which was rough, my friends.
How does it work?
The flu vaccine works by giving your body a deactivated form of the flu virus. This allows your body’s immune system to fight the virus before you come into contact with the live virus. It may not prevent all variations of the flu, but it will help lessen symptoms since your body already “knows” how to fight it.
Influenza Statistics and Facts
Here are just a few statistics and facts you should know about the flu shot:
- It takes approximately 2 weeks after vaccination for your body to build up antibodies.
- It is recommended to start getting flu shots every 6 months.
- The flu shot reduces your chances of catching the flu by 40-60%.
- The vaccine will only protect you from 3-4 different strains of the flu. Not all of them.
Influenza Statistics Over 10 Years
What is important to note is that in the last ten years, the number of people who get the flu has not decreased. It remains relatively the same, and in some years, it increases. Deaths have also gone up and down depending on the year. Here are a few statistics:
- Between 2010 and 2011, 21 million cases were reported, and 32,000 people died.
- 2011 to 2012: 9.3 million cases were reported, and 12,000 died.
- From 2012 to 2013, 34 million people were reported to have contracted the flu, and 43,000 died.
- Between 2013 and 2014, approximately 30 million people contracted the flu, resulting in 38,000 deaths.
- 2014-2015: Again, 30 million people had the flu, but 51,000 died.
- Between 2015 and 2016, 24 million people contracted the flu, and 23,000 died.
- Between 2016 and 2017, 29 million people contracted the flu, and 38,000 died.
- 2017-2018: A record 45 million people contracted the flu, and 61,000 died.
- 2018 to 2019: An average of 35 million people had the flu, and 34,000 died from it.
- I decided not to include COVID-19 statistics, as there is considerable controversy surrounding them.
Regardless of the vaccine, there are still many cases of the flu, mainly because people choose not to get the shot. Yes, there may be possible side effects, such as loss of appetite, but they are generally minor. The primary thing we can do is work on ways to stay healthy and avoid the flu.
Related: How to Clean Your House and Stay Healthy
How to Stay Healthy
When it comes to staying healthy, there are a few things you can do to help prevent you and your household from contracting an influenza virus or another sickness.
- Wash your hands often and thoroughly. Ensure you wash your hands after using the bathroom and before cooking, and use public door handles, remote controls, shared keyboards, or your mouse whenever you have touched money.
- Drink lots of water. Water flushes your system, helping to remove viruses and bacteria. Drink at least six 8-ounce glasses of water or other healthy fluids each day. Those who drink too much alcohol need to remember that it doesn’t help keep them hydrated and may reduce the effectiveness of their immune system over time.
- Read How to Stop Influenza in Your Home. You will find some great tips for staying healthy and recovering from illness.
Influenza
Influenza is fast and abrupt when it hits you.
- A sore throat
- May have a fever
- Chills
- A headache
- Extreme exhaustion or fatigue
- May have body aches
- Sneezing, sometimes
- Stuffy nose, sometimes
- Children may vomit or have diarrhea
- Chest hurts, cough is common
Colds
Gradual onset, you start to feel like you are coming down with something.
- Fever is rare
- Scratchy throat
- Aches slightly
- Chills not common
- Sneezing is common
- A stuffy nose is common
- A headache is rare
- Chest hurts, cough is mild to moderate
Stock Your Home Pharmacy
- Electrolyte Drip Drop
- LMNT Packages
- Cough Lozenges
- Imodium
- Aspirin
- Tylenol
- Ibuprofen
- Vicks VapoRub
- Bag Balm
- Dr. Bronner’s Soap
- Hand Sanitizer
- Tooth Brushes and Toothpaste
- Orajel
- Benadryl
- Advil
- First Aid Supplies
- Survival Medical Handbook
- Non-latex Gloves
- Antibacterial Soap
- Bars of Soap
- Emergen-C
- Lip Balm
- Nasal Spray
- Vitamins
- Essential Oils
- Allergy Medications
- Infant Fever Reducer Medications (IF you can find them, buy them)
- Child Fever Reducer Medications (IF you can find them, buy them)
Final Word on These Influenza Statistics
Flu season is upon us, but so are some other infectious diseases, such as the coronavirus. Whether you are young, old, or perfectly healthy, washing your hands, drinking plenty of water, and stocking up on pandemic supplies is essential.
This post covers a lot of useful information. We hope it proves helpful as you strive to protect your family from the flu and its effects.
Some of the questions people ask about the flu, which we tried to answer, are:
What causes influenza? Can influenza be cured? How long are you usually sick with the flu? How severe is influenza? Can influenza heal itself? What kills a flu virus?
Check the Weekly Influenza Surveillance Report to stay updated on influenza stats. Stay healthy, and God Bless! Have you had the flu? Share your stories in the comments below! Stay well, my friends! May God bless this world, Linda
Copyright Images: Influenza AdobeStock_245369435 Terovesalainen
The post Influenza Statistics: What to Know About the Flu appeared first on Food Storage Moms.
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