Flu activity is surging nationwide across Florida as health officials report increasing emergency department visits and higher flu positivity rates. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there have been at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths so far this season. The latest data from the Florida Department of Health says flu emergency department visits and the flu positivity rates are increasing statewide. Flu cases are rising in Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties. While Okeechobee County is seeing a decrease in cases and Martin County remains stable, according to the health department. Doctors say several factors may be contributing to the spike. “A number of factors, one we’ve seen that vaccinations there’s been about three million less doses given this year so far,” said Dr. Debra Houry, former chief medical officer for the CDC.It’s important to note that the Florida Department of Health and the CDC’s data is delayed… these statistics ended on a certain week in December, which means it is likely that current levels are higher. Genetic testing indicates a new flu variant called Subclade-k appears to be behind the vast majority of cases in the U.S. “It’s a different subclade, or kind of a different strain,” Houry said. Experts say the current flu vaccine may not fully prevent infection from the new variant, but can still reduce the severity of illness. “It’s probably not going to do a great job of protecting you against infection against the new variant, but it will do a good job of preventing you from getting seriously ill,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, former dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health.The Subclade-K variant wasn’t included in this year’s flu shots, it was identified after scientists chose the strains to include. However, doctors say there is one predominant strain on the rise.”The Flu is always made up of several different subtypes of viruses. We have one this year that is a bit unusual. It’s called H3N2. It is associated with just more severe illness, and we’re seeing a lot more people get infected.” Jha explained. The Florida Department of Health recommends getting your annual flu vaccines. Doctors say it’s the best way to protect yourself and others from potentially severe flu complications. Flu shots take up to 2 weeks to become fully effective.
Flu activity is surging nationwide across Florida as health officials report increasing emergency department visits and higher flu positivity rates.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates there have been at least 7.5 million illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations and 3,100 deaths so far this season.
The latest data from the Florida Department of Health says flu emergency department visits and the flu positivity rates are increasing statewide. Flu cases are rising in Palm Beach, St. Lucie and Indian River Counties. While Okeechobee County is seeing a decrease in cases and Martin County remains stable, according to the health department.
Doctors say several factors may be contributing to the spike. “A number of factors, one we’ve seen that vaccinations there’s been about three million less doses given this year so far,” said Dr. Debra Houry, former chief medical officer for the CDC.
It’s important to note that the Florida Department of Health and the CDC’s data is delayed… these statistics ended on a certain week in December, which means it is likely that current levels are higher.
Genetic testing indicates a new flu variant called Subclade-k appears to be behind the vast majority of cases in the U.S.
“It’s a different subclade, or kind of a different strain,” Houry said.
Experts say the current flu vaccine may not fully prevent infection from the new variant, but can still reduce the severity of illness.
“It’s probably not going to do a great job of protecting you against infection against the new variant, but it will do a good job of preventing you from getting seriously ill,” said Dr. Ashish Jha, former dean of Brown University’s School of Public Health.
The Subclade-K variant wasn’t included in this year’s flu shots, it was identified after scientists chose the strains to include. However, doctors say there is one predominant strain on the rise.
“The Flu is always made up of several different subtypes of viruses. We have one this year that is a bit unusual. It’s called H3N2. It is associated with just more severe illness, and we’re seeing a lot more people get infected.” Jha explained.
The Florida Department of Health recommends getting your annual flu vaccines. Doctors say it’s the best way to protect yourself and others from potentially severe flu complications. Flu shots take up to 2 weeks to become fully effective.
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