Rhiza Labs FluTracker Forum

Miami flu activity is now up to "moderate" based on Google FluTrends

http://www.google.org/flutrends/us/#1015116

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Carol@SC
http://www.newfluwiki2.com

TAMPA - Your kids may be getting ready to get out of school, but there's a bug going around that parents need to worry about. One local doctor says the flu has arrived late and is hitting hard at an unusual time of the year.

Seven year old Analys has a smile on her face, finally. She's been hospitalized at Florida Hospital Tampa after a suffering a fever of almost 105 degrees, along with seizures.

Mom Yamaira Toledo says, “I didn't think flu. She rarely gets sick. I really didn't know what to think until the very next morning I found her by her bed and she was shivering with symptoms of what I thought was a seizure."

Mom rushed her to Florida Hospital. Doctor James Orlowski tells us her diagnosis. "She had the Influenza A virus, which is the one that seems to be circulating right now."

That's unusual, Doctor Orlwoski says, because flu season typically ends in March. Still, he says,

"We're seeing a spike in flu cases here in Florida. In just the last weekend, we had five cases of influenza and in the last two weeks we’ve had two cases that were hospitalized."

So here's what Orlowski says parents need to look out for - even as summer approaches. "Body aches, fever - sometimes runny nose, cough, and sore throat."

Seizures like the one Analys suffered can also be a serious complication of the flu. Her mom says, "She had to have gotten it from school. I have two other children at home who aren't sick. I haven't been sick lately. Be on the look out. Call your school if anyone else is sick and just wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands.

Doctor Orlowski attributes the late flu season to the unusually warm temperatures up north.

Flu arrived later there as well.


Read more: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/h ... z1vJoU8hrI

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One pediatric influenza-associated mortality was reported in week 51.
· Polk County: Unvaccinated patient with confirmed influenza infection. No specimens were
available for subtyping.

http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl ... 1-2012.pdf

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Fever? Runny nose? Doctors at Centra Care say you might be battling the flu.

The flu season is hitting Central Floridians one month earlier than usual, according to Dr. Timothy Hendrix.

Dr. Hendrix said Centra Care facilities in the area are expected to see roughly 500 cases of the flu by the end of the week.

On Friday at Centra Care's Winter Garden facility, Dr. Hendrix said more than 3/4 of 40 patients he saw had symptoms of an upper respiratory infection.

"The big difference is they tell me they have a runny nose, cough, and the first thing I ask is if (they) have a fever," said Dr. Hendrix. "Automatically, that's how I know. I differentiate it if it's that high fever and miserable feeling that goes along with cough or runny nose."

Dr. Hendrix advises people to see their doctor with the onset of the first symptom in order to start medication, such as the Tamiflu, within 24-48 hours of the symptom.

If you don't, "You're still going to get over it, but you're just going to be miserable for longer," Dr. Hendrix said.

Flu season typically lasts through the early months before it typically tapers off with the arrival of spring.

Dr. Hendrix advises Central Floridians who have not yet been vaccinated for the flu to do so. He said the most important thing for people with the flu to do is to keep their fever down.

Dr. Hendrix also said recovery time is roughly five to seven days and that before returning to work or school, the patient should be fever-free for at least 24-hours.

http://www.clickorlando.com/news/Flu-se ... index.html

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Posted: 5:23 AM
Last Updated: 12 minutes ago

•By: Laura Harris



HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. - We're still weeks away from the historical peak of the flu season, but now it appears the nation may be behind the curve as the flu is already spreading like wildfire.

Here in Florida, the panhandle, central Florida and southern Florida are seeing the biggest jump in cases.

The issue concerning many is the fact that some got a flu shot, but still have contracted the virus.

Breaking down the numbers, the Centers For Disease Control has tracked at least 2,257 hospitalizations and 18 deaths nationwide among just children this flu season.

The days of people 65 and over and young kids being the ones who were the most at risk and were strongly encouraged to get a vaccine are now over.

The CDC is recommending that everyone get vaccinated this year and no, its not too late!

Getting vaccinated each year provides the best protection against influenza throughout the flu season.

The train being seen a lot this year is that of H3N2.

The good news is, this year's vaccine was made from an H3N2 flu like virus, with each vaccine containing three different viruses, giving the vaccinated individual even more protection.

But its not full proof if you come in contact with another strain.

It's getting so bad that some cities, like Cleveland and Boston, are reporting that hospitals are restricting visitors for fear of contamination.

"We are evaluating whether we are going to need to take other special measures such as screening visitors to the institution, screening employees as measure to try and control, or better understand the volume of influenza in the hospital," says Dr. Kenneth E. Sands of Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston, Massachusetts.

So does it mean that this year's vaccine isn't working because the outbreak is the worst the nation has seen in years?

"No, it doesn't mean that at all," says Dr. Robert Glatter of Lenox Hill Hospital on Manhattan's Upper East Side. "Generally, in proportion to the population, a number of people will still contract the flu virus even though they've been vaccinated."

Doctors say the vaccine is still your best defense though. While you may still contract the virus, it may not be as severe. Physicians also point out that the vaccine takes about two weeks to take full effect in the body. The CDC is suggesting those who have severe flu symptoms or are at risk of serious flu-related symptoms to also think about taking an anti-viral medication.

In addition to the vaccine, be sure to do all the things right to keep yourself clean.

Washing your hands constantly, keeping your hands away from your face, taking a shower immediately when you get home, and remembering that you could still infect someone with the flu seven days after your symptoms are gone, so be sure to STAY HOME if you think you may have it.

To pinpoint the flu impact in your specific area, visit http://www.doh.state.fl.us/Disease_ctrl ... index.html and to find a place you can get your flu shot visit http://www.hillscountyhealth.org/


Read more: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/r ... z2HO5iCbfl

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Posted: Monday, January 7, 2013 6:13 pm | Updated: 11:03 pm, Mon Jan 7, 2013.

0 comments


Posted on January 7, 2013

by Fallon Silcox





SARASOTA, Fla. - The U.S. is experiencing it's earliest and worst outbreak of the flu virus in a decade. Forty-one states are being hit hard, seeing a 25% increase in the past two weeks. Tragically, 18 children have died.

But, there's better news for us on the Suncoast: officials with the Sarasota County Health Department say so far, the number of influenza cases is normal, but that doesn't mean it's safe to let your guard down.

The influenza virus knows no boundaries. “Which is spread by droplets when you cough or sneeze,” says Donna Keith, RN and Immunization Program Manager for the Sarasota County Health Department.

She says that unlike the common cold, “Influenza is extremely dangerous with potentially very serious consequences, including death with infants and with the elderly.”

Florida is one of the 41 states with widespread cases of influenza. And while local health officials recommend getting a flu shot if you're eligible, they say there are other things you need to be doing as well. “It's very important for us all to wash our hands very regularly. If you have any of those symptoms it's important for you to wash your hands regularly. Stay home if you feel sick, so you don't infect other people,” says Keith.

According to the Center for Disease Control, people with the flu can spread it to others up to six feet away, and while it's less likely that people get it by touching a surface with the virus on it, it's still possible. “Habitually, I am probably aware of certain things, like touching things, or keeping my hands clean,” says Sarasota resident Dave.

Keith says should you notice these symptoms: “body aches are included, and there's usually a fever. It generally keeps you from doing your normal activities,” your best bet is to get to your doctor-- and fast. If caught soon enough, she says the prescription Tamiflu can get you back on the road to recovery.

Keith says products like Emergen-C can help build up your immune system, or help you fight off the common cold quicker, but, she says your two best bets for staying healthy this flu season are to get the vaccine and keep your hands clean.

The Sarasota County Health Department offers free flu shots to anyone eligible under the age of 18, and Keith says many pharmacies also offer the vaccine.

http://www.mysuncoast.com/news/local/ea ... f6878.html

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Posted: 7:02 AM
Last Updated: 1 hour and 23 minutes ago

• By: ABC15.com staff
•By: Micah Grimes, ABC Action News

PHOENIX - A Valley radio personality has died after coming down with flu-like symptoms while visiting the Tampa Bay area over the holidays, according to a Florida TV station.

ABC15's sister station in Tampa, Florida reports that Stephen Seravalli, known as Deejay Trauma, passed away in Phoenix some time Saturday night into Sunday.

ABC Action News reported Seravalli was a well-known DJ who worked in Tampa Bay at WiLD 94.1 from 1999 to 2008.

On his Facebook page, Seravalli listed Power 98.3 in Phoenix as the most recent radio station where he worked, ABC Action News reported. Phoenix-based Riviera Broadcasting spokesperson Marc Young confirmed Seravalli's passing, but had no further information. ABC Action News has not confirmed the DJ's exact cause of death.

Seravalli's public Facebook page has been flooded with condolences and memories from friends

According to Brett Funeral Home in St. Petersburg , visitation for Seravalli will be held at the funeral home at 4810 Central Ave. on January 22, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m., including a "celebration of life" at 5 p.m.

Seravalli was born in Long Island, NY, on Nov. 8, 1974.


Read more: http://www.abc15.com/dpp/news/region_ph ... z2I3hF1Yzf

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The Florida Department of Health (FDOH) uses many different surveillance systems to measure
influenza activity. A summary of all these systems can be found on page 11.
National:
· According to CDC, influenza activity is increasing nationwide and is most elevated in the eastern
half of the country. Nationwide, influenza A H3N2 is the most commonly detected influenza
subtype.
· There were no new cases of variant H3N2 influenza A (H3N2v) reported in week 2, 2013. No
cases of H3N2v have been reported in Florida. More information on H3N2v is at: http://
www.cdc.gov/flu/swineflu/influenza-vari ... -h3n2v.htm
State:
· Influenza-like illness (ILI) activity is elevated statewide.
· Currently, influenza and ILI activity is elevated in all regions of Florida.
· Central, and South Florida regions are showing higher than expected ILI activity in emergency
department (ED) visits for ILI, as monitored through ESSENCE-FL. ED visits for ILI declined
in the Panhandle counties in week 2.
· Twenty-four counties across all regions of Florida report moderate influenza activity in week 2,
2013. Forty-five counties report increasing influenza activity
· Because of the statewide reports of elevated influenza and ILI activity, FDOH is
reporting Widespread influenza activity to CDC for week 2, 2013.
· The activity level refers to the geographic spread of influenza, not its severity or intensity.
· Influenza A is now the most common flu type in Florida this season; this is a change from
previous weeks, when influenza B was more common.
· The Bureau of Public Health Laboratories (BPHL) tests select influenza surveillance
specimens, such as those from outbreak investigations and sentinel healthcare providers.
· Of the tests that have been influenza positive in the past five weeks, most have been positive
for influenza A H3; the rest have been influenza B, with the exception of five 2009 H1N1
influenza A specimens. All three of these are seasonal subtypes of influenza.
· This is a change from previous weeks, when influenza B was more common.
· In week 2, BPHL tested 107 specimens. Sixty-eight tested positive: seven for influenza B,
50 for influenza A H3, nine for influenza A (not yet subtyped) and two influenza A 2009
H1N1.
· Of the 31 ILI outbreaks reported this season, nineteen had confirmed influenza A infections,
four had confirmed influenza B infections, and two had both influenza A and B infections.
· There were eleven influenza and ILI outbreaks reported in week 2, 2013.
· In week 2, influenza and ILI outbreaks were reported in Hillsborough, Miami-Dade, Monroe
and Orange counties. More information can be found on page 10.
· One pediatric influenza-associated mortality was reported in week 2, 2013.
· This is the third pediatric influenza-associated mortality reported in the 2012-2013 season.
http://www.doh.state.fl.us/disease_ctrl ... 2-2013.pdf

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The latest numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention show 29 children have died from the flu this season, which is a harsh reminder that influenza is deadly.

Something that Middleburg resident, Charles Huggins, knows too well, "She was healthy Friday night when she went to bed. Sunday night she was dead."

Huggins is referring to his wife of nearly twenty years, who died of influenza just weeks ago.

"The last time I spoke to her was on the steps as she left in the rescue that night. I told her I loved her and that's the last time I saw her," he says.

Huggins' wife, Barbara was 66 years old, and according to him, healthy, "She looked young, she acted young, she never smoked or drank in her life."

Huggins says he had tried to talk Barbara into getting the shot just a couple of weeks before she got sick. He says doctors worked diligently to try and save her life, but the flu left her susceptible to pneumonia. And the combination claimed her life.

"It's just a shocker," he says. "I'm the one that's ill with lung issues, and she's the one that's in the grave today because she heard so many stories about people who got sick after getting the flu shot."

Huggins says though the two of them spent most of their life in ministry helping others, his only regret is that he couldn't convince her to help herself.

"She was my friend, she was my confidant. She was my all in all and I miss her very much. So don't let another day go by without getting a flu shot.

Huggins hopes that by sharing Barbara's story, he can encourage others to take the proper precautions so no one would have to lose a loved one to the flu.

For flu facts and where to get a vaccination: http://www.firstcoastnews.com/flu/artic ... s-and-tips

http://www.firstcoastnews.com/news/loca ... burg-woman

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Florida's 3rd pediatric flu death since October 2012 is Duval victim


Posted: January 23, 2013 - 5:54pm

A young Duval County resident has died from the influenza virus, prompting health officials to issue reminders of how to resist the illness.

The case was labeled a “pediatric death,” which means the victim was age 18 or younger, said spokesman Charles Griggs. He said the state Health Department confirmed the cause of death as the flu the week of Jan. 6-12, but the death could have occurred earlier.

The patient had not been vaccinated.

Nationwide, annual flu deaths have ranged from a low of 3,000 people to a high of 49,000 annually over the past 30 years. The Duval case is the third Influenza-associated pediatric death reported in Florida since October 2012, Griggs said.

“It’s pretty rare to have this kind of thing happen,” he said.

He urged residents to get a flu vaccination, avoid spreading germs and stay home when they are sick. Flu vaccinations are available at the Duval Health Department by walk-in and appointment. For more information or to schedule an appointment call (904) 253-1420.


Read more at Jacksonville.com: http://jacksonville.com/news/health-and ... z2IqXeOIAM

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