Influenza - Worldwide and U.S. Numbers

From the World Health Organization:

Influenza is a serious global health threat that impacts all countries: every year, there are an estimated 1 billion cases, 3-5 million severe cases, and 290 000-650 000 influenza-related respiratory deaths worldwide.

This happens every year - "1 billion cases, 3-5 million severe cases, and 290 000-650 000 influenza-related respiratory deaths."

That's massive.

Where are the maps showing the worldwide cases and death toll?

Where are the maps tallying the cases in the United States and the death toll?

From NPR:

ALLISON AUBREY, BYLINE: If you live in the United States, your risk of contracting the novel coronavirus at this time is exceedingly low. By contrast, the flu virus is very active this time of year. In fact, the CDC estimates that so far, about 15 million people have gotten sick with the flu. And more than 150,000 people have been hospitalized. Brandon Brown is an epidemiologist at the University of California, Riverside. He says each year, the flu leads to thousands of deaths.

BRANDON BROWN: Last year we had 34,000 deaths from the flu. The year before, we had 61,000 deaths. And this is just the United States. So the one thing that we should really be focusing on right now is the flu. We're in the flu season.

AUBREY: The top way to protect yourself against the flu is to get a flu shot. It's not too late to get vaccinated this season. Another effective strategy is to be vigilant about washing your hands. Not only can this habit help fend off the flu, it may also be among the most effective steps against the new coronavirus if it were to start spreading within the U.S.

BROWN: We can use the same prevention methods that we're using for the flu to kind of tackle the coronavirus - the novel coronavirus that we're hearing about right now.

AUBREY: There's still a lot to learn about this new coronavirus. But Brown says respiratory illnesses in general, whether it's a coronavirus or the flu, can spread via little respiratory droplets when an infected person sneezes or coughs. That's why it's important for people who are sick to cover their coughs, sneeze into their elbow and stay home from work or school if possible. All of this, including the handwashing, may sound so obvious. But generally, people are not good about remembering. As a reality check, try this - try to notice, just for a day or so, everything that you touch.

BROWN: We use our hands to shake other people's hands. We use our hands to touch surfaces, to open doors. Our hands are one of the main ways that we can actually transmit viruses.

Every year, there are tens of thousands of flu-related deaths in the U.S.

Why no hype? Why no daily counts of cases and deaths?

One billion cases of the flu worldwide EVERY YEAR!

This is not to diminish the concern about COVID-19. However, it's odd to freak out about coronavirus while ignoring the threat the flu poses to us annually.

Prevent the spread of the flu and the new coronavirus.

COVER YOUR MOUTH.

WASH YOUR HANDS.