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Source: https://mycbs4.com/news/local/what-...le-is-unprecedented-flu-outbreak-on-uf-campus
"What we're seeing in college age people is unprecedented," flu outbreak on UF campus
by Taniqua PennixThursday, November 18th 2021
Gainesville, Fla — The Florida Department of Alachua Health Department said they’ve seen flu outbreaks a little earlier this year, and it’s highest amongst college students.
Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department, Paul Myers said this age group typically has low vaccination rates for the flu. “We’re seeing some significant outbreaks at the University of Florida and across the state.” said Myers.
The most recent flu report from the State Health Department showed an outbreak of 100 cases in Alachua County. According to Walgreens’ flu index, Gainesville ranks third in the country with flu activity. "We really attribute it being reintroduced to Alachua County through this population, that’s not to say we don’t have it spreading to the community at large, it’s just not to the same extent," said Myers.
UF Epidemiologist Dr. Nicole Iovine said they first noticed an increase in cases in October. “What we’re seeing in college age people is unprecedented. We started to see an increase in the flu overall, and when I looked into who was getting the flu, I was expecting to see pediatric patients, they are typically our biggest group, however it was the 18-25 year old's who were the majority of the cases," she said...
"What we're seeing in college age people is unprecedented," flu outbreak on UF campus
by Taniqua PennixThursday, November 18th 2021
Gainesville, Fla — The Florida Department of Alachua Health Department said they’ve seen flu outbreaks a little earlier this year, and it’s highest amongst college students.
Administrator of the Alachua County Health Department, Paul Myers said this age group typically has low vaccination rates for the flu. “We’re seeing some significant outbreaks at the University of Florida and across the state.” said Myers.
The most recent flu report from the State Health Department showed an outbreak of 100 cases in Alachua County. According to Walgreens’ flu index, Gainesville ranks third in the country with flu activity. "We really attribute it being reintroduced to Alachua County through this population, that’s not to say we don’t have it spreading to the community at large, it’s just not to the same extent," said Myers.
UF Epidemiologist Dr. Nicole Iovine said they first noticed an increase in cases in October. “What we’re seeing in college age people is unprecedented. We started to see an increase in the flu overall, and when I looked into who was getting the flu, I was expecting to see pediatric patients, they are typically our biggest group, however it was the 18-25 year old's who were the majority of the cases," she said...
