[Goose]

Influenza affects between 9 million and 45 million Americans a year, so even in a heavy flu year, only about 1 in 7 of Americans will get the flu.  On an average year, your chance is probably one in 10, so going 30 years without the flu does imply good luck.  Your chances of doing so without a vaccine are about 4%; vaccinating every year with a 50% effective vaccine improves your chances to about 20%.

BC

I believe the numbers cited are based on a random person, assuming all people have the same probability of catching the flu. True in bulk, not true for each individual. Some people don't get sick much. I am one of them. I have not had a cold in probably 20 years. I travel a lot for my job, sometimes to places where the general standard of immunization isn't great. Since I spend time in airports, one would think I am exposed to all kinds of things. My wife has had the flu several times and I didn't get it. FWIW, I have received immunizations against somewhat less common diseases. Maybe somehow that is a factor. No way to know. Yes, it could just be luck, but...

[Goose]

Influenza affects between 9 million and 45 million Americans a year, so even in a heavy flu year, only about 1 in 7 of Americans will get the flu.  On an average year, your chance is probably one in 10, so going 30 years without the flu does imply good luck.  Your chances of doing so without a vaccine are about 4%; vaccinating every year with a 50% effective vaccine improves your chances to about 20%.

BC

I believe the numbers cited are based on a random person, assuming all people have the same probability of catching the flu. True in bulk, not true for each individual. Some people don't get sick much. I am one of them. I have not had a cold in probably 20 years. I travel a lot for my job, sometimes to places where the general standard of immunization isn't great. Since I spend time in airports, one would think I am exposed to all kinds of things. My wife has had the flu several times and I didn't get it. FWIW, I have received immunizations against somewhat less common diseases. Maybe somehow that is a factor. No way to know. Yes, it could just be luck, but...