Florida Flu Review, Week 7, 2/10/19 – 2/16/19

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Florida FLU REVIEW Season: 2018-19 Week 7: 2/10/19-2/16/19 Geographic Spread: Widespread Predominant Strain: A 2009 (H1N1) ILI Activity Trend: Increasing

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

In week 7, ILI activity decreased slightly statewide and was similar to peak levels observed during the 2015-16 season.

Regional differences were observed, with the panhandle experiencing a sharp increase in ILI activity. In the panhandle, ILI activity was well above peak activity levels observed during the 2016-17 and 2015-16 seasons. For more information on regional trends, see page 8.

While most counties reported mild influenza activity for week 7, 26 counties reported moderate influenza activity (up from 22 counties in week 6). Three counties reported elevated influenza activity (up from one county in week 6).

In week 7, 28 outbreaks of influenza or ILI were reported(up from 27 outbreaks in week 6). Most of these outbreaks (79%) were reported in facilities serving children. A total of 143 influenza or ILI outbreaks have been reported so far this season.

No new influenza-associated pediatric deaths were reported in week 7. Three influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported so far this season, all in unvaccinated children. Influenza vaccination can be life-saving in children. For more information, see page 10.

An increase in influenza A (H3) activity has been observed in recent weeks. 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 2/16/19

Outbreak Map: Counties with outbreak(s) in week 7: Pinellas, Escambia, Nassau, Orange, Putnam, Wakulla, Duval, Hillsborough, Leon, Osceola, Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, Washington. Counties with 0 outbreaks this season: Alachua, Baker, Bay, Bradford, Calhoun, Clay, Columbia, Dixie, Flagler, Franklin, Gadsden, Glades, Gulf, Hamilton, Hardee, Hendry, Hernando, Highlands, Holmes, Jefferson, Lafayette, Levy, Liberty, Madison, Monroe, Okeechobee, Seminole, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Walton. Counties with 1-2 outbreaks this season: Leon, Osceola, Washington, Citrus, DeSoto, Gilchrist, Jackson, Manatee, Martin, Wakulla, Brevard, Broward, Lee, Okaloosa, Sarasota, St. Lucie. Counties with 3-4 outbreaks this season: Palm Beach, Pasco, Polk, St. Johns, Volusia, Indian River. Counties with 5+ outbreaks this season: Collier, Nassau, Lake, Santa Rosa, Orange, Putnam, Duval, Escambia, Miami-Dade, Hillsborough, Pinellas.

County Influenza Activity

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

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 the

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