TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The flu has hit Florida in a major way, according to the Centers for Disease Control.
The CDC reports that the flu is now widespread throughout the state. According to the Florida Department of Health, mild activity is being reported in all but six Florida counties.
Nine Florida counties are reporting moderate influenza activity.
Locally, there may be a silver lining. The FDOH reports that both Leon and Gadsden counties have likely plateaued for the time being.
However, that report is likely to change as, according to FDOH, the flu season typically persists from October to May.
"It is possible that ILI (flu and flu-like illness) activity has peaked for the season in Florida but heightened activity is still expected for several more weeks.
On top of that, several local counties to include Wakulla, Franklin, Jackson, Suwannee, Liberty, Taylor, and Madison counties are reporting increasing flu activity.
So far, a total of 81 outbreaks of influenza or ILI have been reported for the 2018-19 season.
State health officials define an outbreak as two or more cases of flu or flu-like illness in assisted living facilities, nursing facilities, and long-term care facilities. In schools/camps and child daycares, outbreaks are defined as three or more linked cases of influenza or ILI.
The Florida Department of Health does not count household clusters as outbreaks, so the reported number of flu cases could be higher.
So what should you do to keep from being sick?
Doctors say the easiest way to stay healthy is to wash your hands often and get the flu shot. Flu shots are still available at multiple public health centers in our area.
For at risk populations (i.e. young children, pregnant women, and elderly adults) the flu can be particularly dangerous.
Two children, an unvaccinated child with no known underlying medical conditions and an unvaccinated child with underlying medical conditions, have died from the flu this year.
Health officials recommend that you keep at risk residents in your home safe by getting them the flu vaccine as soon as possible. If you or someone else in your family does get sick, you're advised to stay home until you're fever-free for at least 24 hours.
You can view the full report here.
