Annual influenza epidemics are associated with high morbidity and mortality, especially in older people (often defined as individuals 65 years and older) and in those with chronic medical conditions. The severity of influenza infection can vary from year to year depending on the characteristics of the virus.

ECDC estimates that on average nearly 40,000 people die prematurely each year from influenza in the EU. This is compatible with estimates from a number of EU countries and the average number of annual influenza deaths estimated in the United States, once the different population sizes are taken into account. See the article ‘Revised estimates of deaths associated with seasonal influenza in the US’ to read more.

For each death there are many more hospitalisations resulting from complications. Up to 90% of deaths occur in individuals older than 65 years, especially among those with underlying medical conditions.

Influenza can have a severe clinical course in individuals of any age with chronic underlying conditions. In some studies it is also found to be severe in very young children (less than two years old) and pregnant women. In addition, influenza can cause exacerbations of pulmonary and cardiovascular disease in individuals that suffer of such conditions and can even precipitate death due to cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events.

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Epidemiological data