A new estimate from the CDC puts the number of Americans who died of flu and complications at 80,000, the Associated Press reported. The figure was the highest death toll in at least 40 years.
The numbers were particularly bad, in part, because the flu vaccine wasn’t very effective last year, the AP reported. The CDC does not have an exact count on the number of flu deaths each year; the total was revealed to the AP by Robert Redfield, MD, director of the CDC. Instead, the CDC uses statistical models to estimate death tolls, as not all flu cases are reported or listed on death certificates.
The flu season last year was severe by normal standards. Flu-related deaths more typically range from 12,000 to 56,000 in the worst year, the AP cited. The 2017 preliminary figure is unlikely to go down, but could be revised by CDC officials.
Amy joined TriMed Media as a Senior Writer for HealthExec after covering home care for three years. When not writing about all things healthcare, she fulfills her lifelong dream of becoming a pirate by sailing in regattas and enjoying rum. Fun fact: she sailed 333 miles across Lake Michigan in the Chicago Yacht Club "Race to Mackinac."