An estimated 80,000 Americans died of the flu last year, according to a new government report.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 80,000 Americans died due to the flu and flu-related complications in the winter of 2017.

This was the highest death toll and most severe flu season since 1976, according to officials,  with more people being admitted to the hospital because of the flu. 

Young children and senior citizens were hit the hardest by the flu.

According to the CDC, flu strains change every year and so vaccines must change to combat them.

The 2017 vaccine has been widely criticized for not being a suitable match for combating the past strain of flu.

Medical officials say although vaccinations can lessen the symptoms of flu, they cannot guarantee a person will become infected.

Officials recommend anyone older than 6 months get a flu shot.