Flu season brings a spike in flu cases in Tallahassee
With the end of October and its busy Halloween season, the era of incessant coughing and sneezing has come to Tallahassee — flu season has begun.
Influenza, commonly referred to as the flu, is a contagious respiratory infection caused by a variety of flu viruses infecting the body and is mainly associated with congestion, sore throat and a fever. It can be spread from person to person, usually through the air or when a person touches a physical object the virus lingers on— before touching their eyes, nose or mouth. Flu season generally begins and lasts from the beginning of the fall season to the end of spring; however, its peak occurs when it starts to drop in temperature from November through March.
Nationally, the number of positive flu tests and hospitalizations has risen significantly in the last month, with clinical laboratories reporting over 9,100 positive cases in the first three weeks of the season. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates there have been at least 1,600,000 flu illnesses, 13,000 hospitalizations and 730 flu-related deaths recorded for this flu season. Experts worry that those numbers will begin to rise at an increasingly fast rate, as administration numbers of the flu vaccine have lagged behind so far. As of Oct. 28, the CDC reported only 128.4 million doses have been distributed across the United States, a lower number than usual compared to previous years at around this point.
In a press briefing held on Nov. 4 regarding this year’s flu season, the CDC explained to reporters the protocols and plans of action that are underway for the flu epidemic. The agency explained how in this upcoming peak of the season, the federal government stands ready to support local health systems while stressing how imperative it is for everyone to receive the flu vaccine if they are able.
“We really encourage people who have not yet gotten an updated vaccine for this fall, to go out and get one, it’s the most important thing that you can do to protect yourself against COVID. And at this point where we’re seeing so many other respiratory viruses, causing illness as well, that makes it all the more important that people get that vaccine as soon as possible if they haven’t already,” said Dr. Barbara Mahon, the Acting Director of the CDC’s Coronavirus and Other Respiratory Viruses Division.
In Tallahassee, many have become afflicted with the sickness. Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare has reported a significant number of influenza cases, along with a number of patients only experiencing influenza symptoms, in the emergency rooms.
“To help free up our medical staff and resources for patients who need immediate emergency medical care, we urge anyone experiencing mild flu symptoms to seek testing or treatment with your primary care provider or urgent care. While our team is ready 24/7 to provide emergency care for patients with illnesses and injuries of all kinds, we need your help to protect those resources and provide the right level of care in the right settings,” said the hospital in a statement released to the public.
“Anyone experiencing symptoms such as shortness of breath or chest pain – which can be symptoms of influenza and many other critical illnesses – should call 911 or seek care in one of our ERs.”
Experts and physicians who study and treat this disease strongly recommend receiving the flu vaccine and COVID-19 booster in preparation for the peak of the season, and getting it soon, as it takes up to two weeks to reach maximum antibody protection. They also recommend washing hands regularly, avoiding crowded indoor spaces, wearing facial coverings and staying home if you begin experiencing influenza-like symptoms.
Several places in Tallahassee offer flu shots at no cost, including CVS and Walgreens, who also offer co-administration of both the COVID-19 and influenza vaccines. Publix and Walmart also offer flu vaccines and walk-in clinics for those suffering flu-like symptoms. FSU’s University Health Services also offer the flu vaccine. More information on the vaccine at FSU can be found at uhs.fsu.edu.