Florida Flu Review; Week 5, 1/27/19 – 2/2/19

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Influenza

Florida FLU REVIEW Season: 2018-19 Week 4: 1/27/19-2/2/19 Geographic Spread: Widespread Predominant Strain: A 2009 (H1N1) ILI Activity Trend: Increasing

Influenza & influenza-like illness (ILI) activity summary:

In week 5, ILI activity increased statewide and was above peak activity observed during the 2016-17 season. Regional differences were observed, with notable increases observed in all regions except the southeast (see page 8). Heightened influenza activity is expected for several more weeks.

While most counties reported mild influenza activity for week 5, 16 counties reported moderate influenza activity (up from nine counties in week 4).

Eight new outbreaks of influenza or ILI were reported in week 5: five with laboratory evidence of influenza and three ILI. A total of 89 influenza or ILI outbreaks have been reported so far this season (see page 14).

No new influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported in week 5. Children, especially those with underlying medical conditions, are at higher risk for complications from influenza infection. Influenza vaccination can be life-saving in children. For more information, see page 10.

In weeks 4 and 5, an increase in the portion of influenza viruses subtyped as influenza A (H3) at the Bureau of Public Health Laboratories in Florida was observed. Both influenza A 2009 (H1N1) and influenza A (H3) viruses have co-circulated throughout the season in Florida, with influenza A 2009 (H1N1) remaining the most common overall. Mid-season changes in predominantly circulating strain have been observed in past seasons in Florida. This trend will continue to be monitored closely.

It’s not too late to get your flu vaccine. People who have not yet been vaccinated for the 2018-19 season should do so as soon as possible. Influenza vaccines are safe and are the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from influenza and its potentially severe complications. These vaccines are designed to protect against both influenza A 2009 (H1N1) and influenza A (H3) viruses, as well as one or two influenza B viruses.

In addition to getting vaccinated, the Florida Department of Health also recommends you take everyday precautions to prevent the spread of influenza and other respiratory viruses:

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water (if soap is not available, use an alcohol-based sanitizer)
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth
  • If you do get sick, stay home until fever-free for at least 24 hours (without the use of fever-reducing medication)

View the full report for more information.

Influenza and ILI Outbreaks
Reported as of 2/2/19

Outbreak Map: Counties with outbreak(s) in week 5: Brevard, Hillsborough, Jackson, Lee, Manatee, Pinellas, Polk, Putnam Counties with 0 outbreaks this season: Alachua, Baker, Bay Bradford, Calhoun, Charlotte, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Holmes, Jefferson, Lafayette, Leon, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Marion, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Osceola, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Wakulla, Walton, Washington Counties with 1-2 outbreaks this season: Jackson, Manatee, Citrus, DeSoto, Gilchrist, Martin, Okaloosa, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, Brevard, Lee, Polk, Broward, Duval, Palm Beach, Pasco, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Volusia Counties with 3-4 outbreaks this season: Lake, Escambia, Indian River, Orange Counties with 5+ outbreaks this season:  Putnam, Collier, Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Pinellas

County Influenza Activity

Activity Level Map: No Activity: Franklin, Hamilton, Highlands, Lee Mild Activity: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Broward, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Miami-Dade, DeSoto, Dixie, Escambia, Flagler, Gadsden, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lake, Liberty, Madison, Manatee, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Okeechobee, Orange, Palm Beach, Pasco, Pinellas, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, St. Johns, St. Lucie, Sumter, Taylor, Wakulla, Walton, Washington Moderate Activity: Bradford, Brevard, Columbia, Duval, Indian River, Leon, Levy, Marion, Okaloosa, Osceola, Polk, Putnam, Seminole, Suwannee, Union, Volusia Elevated Activity: None Unknown: None

Flu Shot Locator

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Your flu shot is the first and most important step to fight the flu. To locate a vaccine near you, visit: www.floridahealth.gov/findaflushotView

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Week 5 Flu Review

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