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Florida's flu season appears to be starting early
By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune
Published: December 22, 2010
Updated: 12:00 pm
This year's flu doesn't have a catchy moniker like avian or swine, but it's starting to get a toehold in Florida and that is cause for concern among those who keep track of our health.
The strain is called AH3 and since September it may have played a part in claiming 123 lives in Florida and been connected to three outbreaks across the state. Florida Department of Health officials say that's about normal ? except for one thing.
Typically, the flu season in Florida peaks in January and February and can last until April and May. But health officials say they are seeing the season crank up early this year, and during a conference call on Wednesday they urged residents and visitors to the Sunshine State to get their flu shots.
"The Department of Health in Florida has noticed an uptick in the number of influenza cases detected this year a little earlier than usual," said Julia Gill, director of the disease control division with the Florida Department of Health.
"The strain circulating is the AH3 strain," she said. "It's not the flu strain of last season and it is a good match for the current vaccination available."
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By KEITH MORELLI | The Tampa Tribune
Published: December 22, 2010
Updated: 12:00 pm
This year's flu doesn't have a catchy moniker like avian or swine, but it's starting to get a toehold in Florida and that is cause for concern among those who keep track of our health.
The strain is called AH3 and since September it may have played a part in claiming 123 lives in Florida and been connected to three outbreaks across the state. Florida Department of Health officials say that's about normal ? except for one thing.
Typically, the flu season in Florida peaks in January and February and can last until April and May. But health officials say they are seeing the season crank up early this year, and during a conference call on Wednesday they urged residents and visitors to the Sunshine State to get their flu shots.
"The Department of Health in Florida has noticed an uptick in the number of influenza cases detected this year a little earlier than usual," said Julia Gill, director of the disease control division with the Florida Department of Health.
"The strain circulating is the AH3 strain," she said. "It's not the flu strain of last season and it is a good match for the current vaccination available."
Read more:
