This winter, a significant rise in respiratory illnesses has been observed in Florida, with a reported 75% increase in flu cases over the past month according to the CDC.
Doctors across Florida are voicing concerns over the sharp uptick in flu-related hospitalizations, particularly among children. Dr. John Prpich, a pediatric pulmonologist, highlighted that this rise coincides with a troubling drop in flu vaccination rates. He noted, “We didn’t really have much flu up until about December, and then we saw this rapid increase in flu,” underlining the urgent need for preventative measures.
In comparison to the previous year, the rate of children vaccinated against the flu has declined from 44% to 41%. This decrease in vaccination coverage is particularly concerning for children with asthma or those who develop pneumonia as a complication of the flu. Prpich emphasized, “It’s never too late to get the vaccine. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective. We’ve got a lot more winter to go, and in Florida, that means when kids are in school, they’re passing these things around.”
There is a common misconception that warmer climates like Florida’s imply a milder viral season. However, Dr. Prpich refuted this belief, explaining that viruses do not discriminate by temperature. “People have this opinion that in Florida, our viral seasons are going to be more mild. That’s not the case,” he clarified. “Unfortunately, viruses don’t just happen in cold temperatures.”
Concerns have also been raised about potential side effects of the flu vaccine, yet Prpich reassures that such symptoms are short-lived. “These symptoms usually don’t last more than a day,” he stated, adding that flu symptoms themselves can be far worse, indicating that delaying vaccination is not advisable.
As Florida grapples with a surge in flu cases, the emphasis on flu vaccination becomes crucial. Health professionals are urging the public to take immediate action in protecting themselves and their families, especially children, against the flu this season to prevent further hospitalizations and complications.
Source: Fox13news
