An estimated 80,000 people died and 900,000 people were hospitalized with flu-related complications during the 2017-18 flu season, according to the CDC.
In 2018, stories about mandatory flu shot policies and the severity of the past flu season most captured readers' attention.
Here are the 10 most-read stories on the flu published since Jan. 1:
1. University Hospitals nurse fired for calling in sick with flu: 4 things to know
2. EEOC sues Saint Thomas Health over mandatory flu shot policy
3. 'We hate H3N2': 3 reasons this year's flu season could get worse
4. CDC chief: 85% of children who've died during 2017-18 flu season were unvaccinated
5. CDC urges public to get flu shot by end of October
6. Firing of St. Louis nurse for violating mandatory flu shot policy sparks protest
7. Trump claims he has 'never' had a flu shot
8. Moody's: Severe flu season will pressure nonprofit hospital margins
9. Judge shoots down union attempt to roll back Brigham and Women's flu shot policy: 7 things to know
10. Justice Department sues Wisconsin nursing home over mandatory flu shot policy
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