Between 1976 and 2006, the flu killed thousands of Americans every year. The death rates ranged from a low of 3,000 deaths in a flu season, to a high of 49,000 deaths during a season. Each year, roughly 200,000 Americans end up hospitalized because of the flu, according to the CDC. The flu is especially dangerous for the young (under 5), the old (over 65), pregnant women, and people with underlying health conditions (like asthma, heart disease, and diabetes), but those are not the only people who can become very sick or die from it.

Stay safe: Get the flu shot if you can, every year (typically in October or so, just before flu season). It isn't a guarantee (this year it was only partially effective), but it's definitely better than NOT getting vaccinated. Not only does it help lower your chances of catching the flu, but the more people who are vaccinated, the better it is for people who are especially vulnerable to flu complications. Learn more about this by reading 14 Things You Should Know For Flu Season.