November 22, 2024

CNN.com – Report: Flu hospitalizations on the rise – Sep 14, 2004

The number of people hospitalized in the United States because of the flu has climbed substantially over the past two decades to an average of more than 200,000 a year, in large part because of the aging of the population, a government study found.

Severe cases of the flu can result in pneumonia, dehydration or a worsening of chronic medical conditions, and can be life-threatening — especially for the very old or the very young.

If you’re in one of the recommended target groups, get your flu shot. Hospital food jokes have a basis in reality, so avoid the hospitalization if you can!