About Influenza

Influenza, commonly called the flu, is a highly contagious virus that can infect the throat and lungs, and is the eighth leading cause of death when combined with pneumonia. In fact, about one in every five Americans on average each year is infected with the influenza virus, resulting in time away from work and school, trips to the doctor or hospital, as well as serious complications (such as pneumonia) and even death. People aged 50 and over are at high risk for influenza and its related complications.

The following fact sheet offers additional information about the risk of influenza to the 50+ community, and the benefits of annual vaccination.

Influenza Fact Sheet

Graphic 1
This graphic depicts the results of a recent AARP survey of 50+ Americans, which revealed that only half had received an influenza vaccination the previous year

Graphic 2
This graphic highlights some common reasons Americans aged 50 and older don’t receive an annual influenza vaccination

This initiative is made possible through an unrestricted educational grant to NFID from sanofi pasteur.