Personal protective equipment in the fight against flu – Courtesy: Shutterstock – Photo By David Herraez Calzada
Palm Beach County, Fl. – Across Florida, flu activity is on the rise as health officials report higher flu positive rates and an increase in ED visits.
At least 7.5 million infections, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 fatalities have been reported so far this season, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Flu ER visits and flu positive rates are rising throughout the state, according to the most recent data from the Florida Department of Health. Palm Beach, St. Lucie, and Indian River Counties are seeing an increase in flu cases. The health agency reports that Martin County is stable while Okeechobee County is experiencing a decline in cases.
According to doctors, the surge could be caused by a number of things. “A number of factors, one we’ve seen that vaccinations there’ve been about three million less doses given this year so far,” stated former CDC chief medical officer Dr. Debra Houry.
Note that the data from the CDC and the Florida Department of Health is delayed. Since these figures concluded during a specific week in December, it is likely that values are higher now.
According to genetic testing, the great majority of cases in the United States seem to be caused by a novel flu variety known as Subclade-k.
“It’s a different subclade, or kind of a different strain,” Houry explained.
According to experts, the current flu vaccine can lessen the severity of disease even though it might not completely prevent infection from the new type.
“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,” stated Dr. Ashish Jha, a former dean of the School of Public Health at Brown University.
This year’s flu vaccinations did not contain the Subclade-K variation, which was discovered after scientists selected which strains to include. Doctors claim that one major strain is on the rise, though.
“The flu is always caused by a variety of viral subtypes. This year, we have one that is a little off of the ordinary. It’s known as H3N2. We’re seeing a lot more people becoming infected, and it’s linked to simply more serious illnesses.” Jha clarified.
The Florida Department of Health advises getting vaccinated against the flu every year. According to doctors, it’s the best defense against potentially serious flu consequences for both you and other people. It can take up to two weeks for flu vaccines to start working.
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Melissa’s career in writing started more than 20 years ago. Today, she lives in South Florida with her husband and two boys.
