MIAMI.- Florida faces an increase in cases of gripe or influenza in the middle of the winter season at a time when family gatherings or friendship groups are more frequent, while the authorities continue to fight against the COVID-19 and its new variants.
According to the Florida Department of Health, the flu positivity rate has begun to increase, although there has also been a slight decrease in the number of people diagnosed with the virus in emergency rooms.
Accumulated data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicate that up to 7.4 million people in the United States have been infected with the flu this autumn.
It is also estimated that there were 80,000 hospitalizations and 6,800 deaths nationwide from October 1 to December 9.
The CDC said that the flu season normally peaks between December and February, therefore, it is necessary to take measures to prevent its contagion and spread.
The flu is a highly contagious respiratory infection caused by viruses that are transmitted from person to person. Common symptoms include fever, headache, sore throat, cough, and fatigue.
COVID threat
At the same time, COVID-19 also remains a threat. The virus has a new variant, JN.1which is the fastest-growing strain in the country so far, accounting for more than a fifth of all cases, according to the CDC.
The CDC reported that about 20% of new COVID infections in the United States are currently due to the JN.1 subvariant of the coronavirus. Currently, 92,586 deaths in Florida since 2020 are attributed to COVID-19.
For health authorities, typically there is an increase in flu patients this time of year due to climate changes, which include the arrival of cold fronts from the north.
Studies show that children are more susceptible to severe symptoms, due to their small airways, when they contract a viral illness such as the flu or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), which can cause cold-like symptoms.
The CDC recommended get vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, since both biologics could prevent serious illnesses and hospitalizations. They also advised following prevention measures, such as wearing a mask, washing hands, avoiding close contact with sick people and staying home if you are sick.
The Florida Department of Health offers free flu vaccines at county health centers and mobile clinics. You can also get flu shots at pharmacies, doctors’ offices, and hospitals.
To find a place to get vaccinated, you can visit the website (vaccinefinder.org).
