Estimated US Flu Disease Burden

What to know

CDC uses mathematical models to estimate the impact of flu on the population because is not possible to know the exact number of people who have experienced flu illness in the United States. This is because not everyone who gets sick with flu will seek medical care or be tested for influenza. CDC uses the estimates of the burden of flu in the population to inform policy and communications related to influenza prevention and control.

To open the dashboard in full-screen mode, click the double arrow icon in the bottom right corner.

The dashboard above is an interactive tool to access and visualize information about the estimated burden of flu from past seasons, beginning with the 2010-2011 flu season. Pages include data tables for the estimates and rates for past seasons that can be downloaded using links on each page. There are also pages that include visuals designed to more easily compare the burden of flu across seasons, outcomes and between age groups. Information on How CDC Estimates the Burden of Seasonal Influenza in the U.S. and additional information about the 2024-2025 flu season is also available.