Florida Health Department Reports 2 Flu-Related Deaths

ST. PETERSBURG, FL –If you’re feeling under the weather, join the club.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Florida is among 46 states that have been hit with a deadly flu strain. The national center says people are 200 percent more likely to get the flu this year.

The Florida Health Department said this year’s flu strain is especially dangerous for children, pregnant women, people with underlying chronic conditions and people over the age of 65.

The department has now confirmed two influenza-associated pediatric deaths: a 7-year-old and a 17-year-old.

“We are saddened by this news and our thoughts are with the family and friends of these children,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip. “Although most people view the flu as a minimal threat, Floridians should take flu infection seriously as it can cause severe illness, even death, in some cases.”

According to the health department, medical clinics, doctor’s offices and emergency rooms in Florida are seeing an significant increase in the number of patients with flu symptoms including headaches, high fever, body aches and a bad cough.

The department is urging residents, especially high-risk individuals, to reduce their chances of contracting the flu by getting vaccinated.

“Getting your flu shot is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from the flu,” said Philip. “If you have not yet received a flu shot, it is not too late.”

Philip said the annual flu vaccine available at doctor’s offices, public health clinics, schools and even pharmacies is safe and is the most effective way to protect against the flu. The flu vaccine is recommended for everyone 6 months and older, including pregnant women. It takes about two weeks after vaccination for the body to develop protection against the flu.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends people get injectable flu shots. Nasal spray vaccine is not recommended for this flu season because of concerns about its effectiveness.

The health department is also urging residents to frequently wash their hands to help prevent the spread of seasonal flu. They should also ward off the flu by coughing or sneezing into a tissue or elbow and avoiding touching their faces.

Additionally, residents should clean and disinfect commonly used surfaces in the home, school or office.

For more information, visit the Florida Department of Health website.

Influenza, or the flu, is a respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses. The "flu" is a common catch-all term used for a variety of illnesses, but it correctly applies only to the upper respiratory disease caused by the influenza virus, according to the health department.

The Centers for Disease Control offers these tips:

1. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too.

2. If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others.

3. Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick.

4. Clean your hands. Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub.

5. Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth. Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth.

6. Practice other good health habits. Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids and eat nutritious food.

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