Somewhere between 291,000 and 646,000 people worldwide die from seasonal influenza every year, according to a CDC-supported study published in The Lancet.
To generate this estimate, researchers analyzed data on influenza-related deaths recorded by 33 countries for a minimum of four years between 1999 and 2015. This analysis created a more robust dataset than used to develop prior estimates, which suggested 250,000 to 500,000 flu-related deaths occur annually
Researchers identified the greatest burden of influenza-related mortality among people aged 75 years and older and among impoverished people living in sub-Saharan African countries.
"This work adds to a growing global understanding of the burden of influenza and populations at highest risk," said Danielle Iuliano, PhD, a researcher in the CDC's influenza division and the study's lead author. "It builds the evidence base for influenza vaccination programs in other countries."
More articles on infection control:
Shortened 15-second time for alcohol-based hand rub may improve hand hygiene compliance
Rauner administration criticized for handling of Illinois Veterans Home Legionnaires' outbreaks: 5 things to know
Dallas-area school district closes for 2 days amid flu outbreak