Flu, numbers and paranoia

''During a typical year in the United States, 30,000 to 50,000 persons die as a result of influenza viral infection. Frequently cited numbers are 20,000 deaths each year, and 37,000 annual deaths. About 5-10% of hospitalizations for influenza lead to fatal outcome in adults.
...
In normal years, although most influenza infection is in children, the serious morbidity and mortality is almost entirely among elderly people with underlying chronic disease.'' [source]

Some numbers from EU: here (source).

It must be horrible to die from a flu, but could a private citizen be able to distinguish if this flu is really more lethal than any other "ordinary" seasonal flu?

A very nice article that answers the question is: this.

And if you are still waiting for the avian flu, take a look at these:
article from 2007 and here (and here).


Ps This is a very interesting article: check it (with a pinch of salt) and then read the comments of the readers, they are really informative!