Book excerpt: Every year in the United States, on average 5% to 20% of the population becomes sick with influenza (the flu); more than 200,000 people are hospitalized from flu complications, and about 36,000 people die from flu. Some people - such as older people, young children, and people with certain health conditions - are at high risk for serious flu complications. 100 Questions and Answers About Influenza provides answers to 100 most common questions about influenza, with emphasis on new strains of the disease including the Avian Influenza.