Influenza Death Rate by U.S. State

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Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses. These viruses infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs, leading to a range of symptoms from mild to severe. Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle aches, and fatigue are typical signs of influenza. In some cases, the flu can lead to complications like pneumonia, worsening of chronic medical conditions, and even death.

In an average year, between 5% and 15% of the global population contracts influenza, resulting in 3 to 5 million severe cases and up to 650,000 deaths annually. In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that influenza has caused between 10 million to 45 million illnesses, 140,000 to 810,000 hospitalizations, and 12,000 to 61,000 deaths annually in recent years.

Geographic Differences in Influenza Death Rates

Not all states are affected by influenza equally. The map below, created by @MetricMaps, illustrates the average age-adjusted influenza death rate (per million people) in the U.S. from 1999 to 2016.

Why Do Some States Have Higher Influenza Death Rates?

Several factors contribute to the variation in influenza death rates across states:

• Healthcare Access – States with better healthcare infrastructure, higher vaccination rates, and easier access to medical care tend to have lower flu death rates.
• Demographics – Older populations and those with underlying health conditions are more vulnerable to severe influenza outcomes.
• Climate – Cold weather may increase flu transmission as people gather indoors more often.
• Vaccination Rates – States with higher flu vaccination rates tend to have lower death rates.
• Public Health Policies – States with strong public health outreach and flu vaccination programs often experience lower mortality rates.

For example, South Dakota had the highest influenza death rate at 18.0 per million during this period, likely due to its older population and relatively lower vaccination rates. Meanwhile, Hawaii and California had some of the lowest death rates, at 4.7 and 4.5 per million, respectively—potentially due to warmer climates and better healthcare access.

How to Protect Yourself From Influenza

While influenza is a seasonal reality, you can take steps to reduce your risk of getting sick:

• Get vaccinated annually – Flu strains evolve each year, so the vaccine is updated annually to protect against the most common strains.
• Wash your hands frequently – Use soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid close contact with sick individuals – If someone you know has flu symptoms, limit your contact to avoid infection.
• Strengthen your immune system – Get enough sleep, maintain a balanced diet, and exercise regularly.
• Wear a mask – In crowded public spaces during flu season, a mask can help reduce transmission.

What to Do If You Get the Flu

If you develop flu symptoms:

• Rest and stay hydrated – Give your body time to recover and avoid dehydration.
• Take antiviral medications – If prescribed by your doctor, antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can shorten the length of illness and reduce severity.
• Avoid contact with others – Minimize the spread of the virus by staying home until you are fever-free for at least 24 hours without medication.
• Monitor for complications – Seek medical help if you experience difficulty breathing, chest pain, or confusion.

Influenza is a serious yet preventable illness. By understanding the patterns of influenza deaths and taking proactive measures, you can protect yourself and those around you. Let me know—have you noticed flu trends in your state? How do you protect yourself during flu season? Leave a comment below!