Categories: Florida

Influenza Widespread Across 43 States

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, flu activity in the United States continues to increase in intensity and geography for the week ending December 27, 2014 (week 52). Forty-three states are now reporting widespread levels of activity. Influenza A (H3N2) was the most commonly detected influenza subtype nationwide which can cause a more serious illness in young children and the elderly.

The CDC has identified an antigenically drifted influenza H3N2 strain circulating nationally and in Florida that is different from the strain of H3N2 contained in the current flu vaccines. However the CDC and the Florida Department of Health recommend that people still get vaccinated for this flu season.

Flu Activity Across Florida

Influenza and influenza-like illness activity is widespread across the Sunshine State at above normal levels for this time of year, especially in children. Influenza A (H3) was the most common flu type in Florida this flu season.

No Activity: Dixie, Hamilton, Okeechobee

Mild: Bay, Calhoun, Charlotte, Citrus, Clay, Collier, Dade, Desoto, Escambia, Flagler, Franklin, Gilchrist, Glades, Gulf, Hernando, Highlands, Indian River, Lafayette, Lake, Leon, Liberty, Manatee, Martin, Monroe, Nassau, Osceola, Palm Beach, Polk, Santa Rosa, Sarasota, St. Johns, Sumter, Suwannee, Taylor, Union, Volusia, Wakulla, and Washington.

Moderate: Alachua, Baker, Bradford, Brevard, Broward, Columbia, Duval, Gadsden, Hardee, Hendry, Hillsborough, Holmes, Jackson, Jefferson, Lee, Levy, Madison, Marion, Okaloosa, Orange, Pasco, Pinellas, Putnam, Seminole, St. Lucie, and Walton.

SOURCE and Infographs: CDC and FDOH