Updated Dec 31, 2009







According to CDC (the US Centres for Disease Control and Prevention):



Each flu season is unique, but it is estimated that, on average, approximately 5% to 20% of U.S. residents get the flu, and more than 200,000 persons are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. About 36,000 Americans die on average per year from the complications of flu. (Full)

It is worth remembering that seasonal flu often poses a serious threat to public health: each year it kills 250,000 - 500,000 around the world. (Full)

As of 27 December 2009, worldwide more than 208 countries and overseas territories or communities have reported laboratory confirmed cases of pandemic influenza H1N1 2009, including at least 12,220 deaths. (Full)

An average of 195,000 people in the USA died due to potentially preventable, in-hospital medical errors in each of the years 2000, 2001 and 2002, according to a study of 37 million patient records released in 2004. (Full)

Picture courtesy Alfredo Estrella/AFP/Getty Images

According to the BBC:To put this in perspective with A(H1N1) swine flu, WHO (The World Health Organisation) states in their latest update:And in a broader perspective:Check out the A(H1N1) swine flu casualty maps I collected.If you are a bit sarcastic about it all, check The Dos and Donts to avoid swine flu infection