CDC: Last Flu Season Was The Deadliest In Four Decades

Last year's flu season was reportedly the deadliest in 40 years. 

In an interview with the Associated Press Tuesday, the director of the CDC said an estimated 80,000 Americans died of the flu and complications related to it last winter. 

Officials also say the death toll is preliminary and may go up. 

In recent flu seasons, flu-related deaths have ranged from about 12,000 to about 56,000.

Last year's vaccine was about 40 percent effective, which is on the low side for the vaccination. 

Additional reporting by Newsy affiliate CNN.