It has been recognized for many years that people 65 years and older are at high risk of serious complications
from influenza compared with young, healthy adults. During most seasons, it's estimated that 90 percent of
seasonal influenza-related deaths and between 50 and 60 percent of seasonal influenza-related
hospitalizations in the United States occur in people 65 years and older. People in this age group also have the
highest hospitalization rate most seasons. Preventing influenza and treating it promptly may reduce the risk of
influenza-associated complications, including hospitalization and death.