BRANDON, Fla. — Florida is now among more than 30 states reporting very high flu activity, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention — and Tampa Bay doctors say they are seeing it firsthand in emergency rooms.
What You Need To Know
At HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Emergency Physician and Residency Program Director Dr. Harold Gomez says the virus is not only spreading quickly, but that many patients are arriving sicker than in previous months.
The CDC reports that a new, highly contagious sub-clade of Influenza A(H3N2) is spreading nationally, adding to the number of cases hospitals are treating.
The CDC estimates that at least 11 million people have contracted the flu this season, with 120,000 hospitalized and 5,000 deaths.
At HCA Florida Brandon Hospital, Emergency Physician and Residency Program Director Dr. Harold Gomez says the virus is not only spreading quickly, but many patients are arriving sicker than in previous months.
“We have definitely seen an uptick in the number of flu cases, with more severe cases than we were seeing earlier in the season. It has been a late start to the flu season this year compared with prior years,” Gomez said. We were definitely seeing a large increase in the number of cases right now.”
He says this flu surge arrived later than last year — but that it is hitting harder. Doctors are noticing more children and seniors struggling with serious symptoms.
“I think the main difference is that this is a little different from last year,” Gomez said. “It’s definitely affecting more of the younger population, so paediatric patients. We’re also seeing an increase in the number of seniors who are affected by the disease and who require hospitalization because of influenza.”
The CDC reports that a new, highly contagious sub-clade of Influenza A(H3N2) is spreading nationally, adding to the number of cases hospitals are treating.
The CDC estimates that at least 11 million people have contracted the flu this season, with 120,000 hospitalized and 5,000 deaths.
When to Go to the ER
Doctors say families should know when flu symptoms become dangerous.
“I believe that the need for hospitalization is when you’re experiencing severe shortness of breath, significant chest pain or fevers that are over 104 Fahrenheit,” Gomez said.
Even with this newer strain, vaccination continues to play a key role.
“There’s still a role for vaccination. Patients who are vaccinated tend to have milder symptoms, even if they still contract the flu,” Gomez said.
Doctors say everyday prevention can make a difference.
“My main message is that maintaining good general hand hygiene is a good way to prevent flu from spreading,” Gomez said. “If someone in the family has flu-like symptoms, try to isolate them as much as possible. Staying home is a good idea in those cases so that we don’t continue to spread the disease in the community. Also, providing good care at home, remaining hydrated is very important.”
Doctors and local pharmacists also recommend over-the-counter flu tests to help people identify infections earlier and reduce spread.