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CDC reports jump in flu-related deathsData point to more virulent influenza strain, aging population
ATLANTA, Georgia (CNN) -- The number of people who die each year from influenza has risen substantially, partly because the U.S. population is aging and partly because of the strength of recent flu bugs, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said Tuesday. An estimated average of 36,000 people die from flu-related complications each year in the United States, up from 20,000 in previous estimates, according to data published in Wednesday's issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association. The data also show about 11,000 people die each year from respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which causes upper and lower respiratory tract infections primarily in young children and older adults. Most of those deaths, the study found, are among the elderly. The increases can be explained in part by the fact that over the past several decades, the number of people age 85 and older in the United States has doubled, the CDC said. People older than 65 are considered to be at high risk for complications from the flu, as are those with chronic medical conditions and health care workers. 'Problem is larger than we once thought'Another reason for the spike is that the most common strain of influenza in the past decade has also been one of the most virulent -- influenza A. "These data indicate that the magnitude of the problem is larger than we once thought," said Dr. Julie Gerberding, director of the CDC. The primary strategy for preventing flu-related deaths continues to be vaccination, the CDC said. Research is also needed to develop flu vaccines that better protect the elderly, and develop RSV vaccines that are effective in both children and the elderly. CDC officials said it is crucial that those at high risk get flu vaccinations. And even though the flu season -- which peaks in the United States between December and March -- has begun, it is not too late. "It is still quite early in our influenza season and we expect activity to pick up in the coming weeks," said CDC epidemiologist Keiji Fukuda. "It is definitely not too late to get your flu shot if you have not received one."
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