ORLANDO, Fla. — It’s flu season, and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports “very high activity” across Florida.
What You Need To Know
The CDC reports ‘very high’ flu activity levels across Florida
Dozens of other states have similar reports
Two Orange County doctors shared their experience and believe a new strain is the cause for the uptick in cases
Dr. Michelle Wallen, ED Medical Director at UCF Lake Nona Hospital, says she’s heard different terms like “Florida flu” and “Orlando flu.”
“We’re seeing about 25 to 30 percent of patients coming in with flu-like symptoms,” said Wallen.
Florida, among dozens of other states, are reporting high activity levels, according to the CDC. While Wallen says it isn’t uncommon after the holidays, she says CDC officials have mentioned a new strain of the flu is causing more people to get sick than usual.
“The vaccine is still working to fight this, but the strain versus the vaccine, it may not be preventing as many cases as the flu as we would like,” said Wallen.
While she works on treating patients in the hospital, primary doctors are seeing people coming in too. Pediatrician Ted Kaplan with Edgewater Pediatrics says it hasn’t been too busy, but the cases exist.
“We haven’t been slammed with very many cases so far, but there’s been a few which tells us that the flu is in our community and then where it’s going to go from there, no one knows for sure,” said Kaplan.
He also believes new strains are the reason for increased flu activity.
“When it’s new you never know exactly what’s going to happen, but it’s not good news that there’s a new strain,” said Kaplan.
Doctors recommend keeping a safe distance from those who are sick, washing your hands, staying home if you feel symptoms, and getting a flu shot. They recommend patients under two, those older than 65 and anyone with pre-existing health conditions should seek medical care as soon as possible if they feel sick.