This flu season is the “high sensitivity” season for all ages. This season, there is an estimated 33 million people who have suffered from the flu so far. In Florida, like in other parts of the US, the dominant strain of influenza is H1N1.
If you feel that everyone is coughing and sneezing this winter, it may not be your imagination.
Experts say this is the worst flu season in over a decade.
Over the week ending February 8th, “seasonal flu activity remains rising, higher than seasonal.” According to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
The following week, the season ended February 15th, was classified as “all and highly severe seasons in all age groups (children, adults, seniors), the first high since 2017-2018 “Severity Season.”
This is what you need to know.
Influenza: See numbers for the week ending on February 15th
33 million: Estimated number of diseases: 430,000 hospitalizations: 19,000: Total number of deaths so far to this season. 43,367: 3.0% of patients admitted to influenza hospitals per week: Percentage of influenza-related mortality. 25, 2024 was the first time that influenza mortality rate (1.7%) had a higher rate of deaths than the rate of deaths COVID-19 (COVID-19). 18: Influenza pediatric deaths in the week. Deaths during 86 seasons. 2,486 : Virus report by the Institute of Public Health this week, next failure: 2,383: Influenza A, H1N1 and H3N2 dominant 103 Influenza B Influenza B
All data is provided by the CDC, and the numbers are preliminary and subject to change.
How does the 2025 flu count compare to 2024?
Last year, the CDC estimated that the flu caused a total of 470,000 hospitalizations and 28,000 deaths.
What’s going on with the flu in Florida?
The CDC shows high levels of ILI, or flu-like illnesses in Florida.
According to the Florida Department of Health, “Individual cases cannot be reported in Florida, except for new influenza A (new subtype A) and influenza-related child deaths.”
All outbreaks are reported in the state.
Florida flu data showed during the week of February 9th-15th.
Major Strains: Influenza A H1N1Flu Positive Rate: Decline from the Week: Emergency Department Visits from last week: Down from last week: 12, in the following counties: Alachua: 2brevard: 1martin: 1martin: 1pinellas: 2polk : 1seminole: 1seminole: 1seminole: 1seminole: 1seminole: 2
When will the flu season end?
The flu season ends on May 17th, but surveillance will last year-round, according to the Florida Department of Health.
“Seasons vary in timing, severity and duration. In Florida, we cannot predict what each flu season will look like,” the agency added.
Is it too late to get the flu vaccine?
CDC data shows that influenza vaccination rates in the general population are at the lowest level in three years. Among kids, they are the cheapest in six years.
“You’ll say it’s not too late to get your flu shot or a Covid booster this year,” said Jen Brull, president of the American Academy of Family Physicians. “Influenza and Covid are present all year round.”
How many people have received the flu vaccine in Florida?
According to the US Health Rankings, 37.6% of Florida reported receiving the flu vaccine for 12 months in 2023.
This brings Florida to a 56.6% vaccination rate, significantly behind top state Massachusetts, slightly ahead of Idaho’s bottom state, reaching 32.1%.
The national average is 42.9%.
What are the symptoms of influenza? What is the difference between flu, cold and covid?
There are several common symptoms of influenza and Covid-19. Here’s how to know between two viruses:
The CDC provided this advice to protect yourself from the flu or other infectious diseases.
Get the flu vaccine. In close contact with sick people. Covers your mouth and nose when you sneeze or cough. If you’re sick, go home. You can always return: your symptoms are better, and you avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and your eyes so that you do not transfer bacteria from contaminated surfaces Avoid touching your nose and mouth. Frequently touched surfaces, especially doorknobs and countertops. A disinfectant containing at least 60% alcohol.
Contributors: Carissa Waddick, Janet Loafke, USA Today
