It’s flu season in Florida, meaning that plenty of people in the state are getting sick.
Some areas of the state are getting hit harder than others, however.
In its most recent weekly report, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention designated Florida as having “high” flu activity compared to other U.S. states.
According to the Florida Department of Health, most counties throughout the state have been seeing an increasing number of these flu cases.
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In the FDOH’s most recent Florida Flu Review, the agency states that the following counties had outbreaks between Dec. 17 and Dec. 23.
- Hillsborough County: Four new outbreaks
- Pasco County: Two new outbreaks
- Bradford County: One new outbreak
- Charlotte County: One new outbreak
- Volusia County: One new outbreak
FDOH officials say that influenza is particularly a threat to groups like the very young, adults 65 years or older, and pregnant women — groups that typically suffer from compromised immune systems.
“We’re in the worst part of flu season right now, and we’re not sure if it’s at its worst or if it’s going to get worse,” said Dr. Timothy Hendrix, the medical director at AdventHealth Centra.
Hendrix explained that the biggest risk of influenza is a bacterial infection that can cause pneumonia.
“That’s the biggest worry with influenza — is complications that result in hospitalization and possibly death,” he said.
As such, he recommends that people get the flu shot to avoid contracting the virus.
Meanwhile, cases of RSV — another respiratory illness — are on the decline in Florida, though outbreaks were reported in Flagler and Martin counties, the FDOH reports.
Flu season lasts through May 18. For more information, visit the FDOH’s website here.
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