Daytona Beach, FL - The Florida Department of Health in Volusia is reporting that the county is seeing a large influx in reported flu cases. Dr. Holly Smith, the Department's spokesperson in Volusia County, says between September and December of 2019, flu cases almost doubled over the number of reported cases seen in the same time period the year before. Flu activity increased in the last week of December 2019 and remains above levels seen in previous seasons.
The CDC estimates that so far this season, nationally there have been at least 6.4 million flu illnesses, 55,000 hospitalizations and 2,900 deaths from flu. The percentage of deaths attributed to pneumonia and the flu is 5.5 percent which is well below the epidemic level.
During the 2018-2019 season, six flu-associated pediatric deaths were reported in Florida, and all occurred in children who were not fully vaccinated. Flu vaccination has been shown to reduce a child’s risk of dying from flu by 60%.
Officials say it’s not too late to get vaccinated. Flu vaccination is always the best way to prevent flu and its potentially serious complications. Flu shots take up to two weeks to become fully effective so to reduce your chance of catching the flu, Smith suggests getting vaccinated as soon as possible. She says vaccinations are available at the Department of Health. The cost there is determined on a sliding scale. She also said many pharmacies offer the flu shot. To find a pharmacy offering flu shots, visit lung.org.
Smith said in addition to the flu shot, be proactive in prevention by staying away from people who are sick and by always washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs.
