Florida faces surge in severe flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases, concerning doctors
BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - Winter sicknesses are surging in the Sunshine State.
Doctors across Central Florida say people are struggling to shake off the flu this year for some reason. High fevers last for about a week, and doctors are sending people to urgent care or the ER because of the flu, Covid-19 and RSV.
‘It’s creating some very violent symptoms’
What we know:
Doctors are reporting that the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are causing widespread illness. Many patients are struggling to recover, with high fevers lasting up to a week.
Doctors are seeing a spike in severe cases, including some requiring emergency visits for pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections. More than 30 counties in Florida are reporting increased flu cases.
What we don't know:
The exact cause of the severe flu cases is unclear, with speculation that this year’s flu shot may not be an effective match for the circulating strains. The number of cases in specific regions of Florida is still being tracked, and it remains uncertain how long the surge will continue.
The backstory:
The flu season in Florida and across the U.S. has been especially harsh this year. The CDC reports that 43 states are seeing high or very high levels of flu cases.
While flu shots are still recommended, this year's vaccine may not be a perfect match for the circulating strains, which could explain the severity of cases.
The situation mirrors the flu spikes occurring in other states, including Pennsylvania, where people like Rio Doyle are also noticing an uptick in illnesses.
What they're saying:
Most patients are coming down with Influenza A or B.
"It’s creating some very violent symptoms," said Dr. Michael Sparks of SparksMD Family Medicine. "We’re having a lot of patients who are struggling to kind of shake it, if you will, and even some requiring emergency visits for pneumonia or secondary bacterial infections, as well."
He isn’t the only provider seeing the surge in illness.
"It just hits them like a ton of bricks," said Dr. Gary Hardoon who specializes in internal medicine with Health First.
Doctors are urging people to get the flu shot, even though it may not completely prevent illness. The flu shot can still reduce the severity of symptoms and prevent hospitalization.
"Sometimes we nail the flu shot perfectly, and we end up with very little significant disease out there," said Dr. Sparks. "Other times, maybe it isn’t quite as good as a match."
There are hundreds of flu strains out there, and this year’s shot may have missed the mark.
"It could be that it’s a different strain that you weren’t given the flu shot for," added Dr. Hardoon.
Both doctors emphasize that handwashing is one of the most effective ways to prevent illness, especially given the current flu strains.
Dr. Hardoon also highlights that people with underlying health conditions, particularly those with chronic pulmonary issues, need to be extra cautious as the flu could become deadly if not properly managed.
Local perspective:
This surge in winter sicknesses highlights the ongoing challenges of flu season, which are exacerbated by the presence of other viruses like COVID-19 and RSV. The situation in Central Florida is part of a larger national trend, but local doctors are particularly concerned with the strain it is putting on hospitals and urgent care facilities.
With flu cases rising rapidly in more than 30 counties, local healthcare systems are seeing increased pressure, leading to longer waits for care and potential delays in treatment.
Timeline:
The flu season in Florida is peaking now, with doctors predicting it will last through the winter months. People who have received the flu shot should wait at least two weeks for the vaccine to build antibodies in their immune system.
For those already experiencing flu-like symptoms, doctors advise staying home until you have been fever-free for at least two days before returning to work or interacting with others.
Why you should care:
With flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases on the rise, the potential for more severe illness, especially among vulnerable populations, is a growing concern. The flu can lead to complications like pneumonia and even be fatal for people with underlying health conditions.
Protecting yourself through handwashing, getting the flu shot, and staying informed about symptoms can help prevent the spread of these illnesses and reduce the burden on the healthcare system.
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The Source: This story was written based on information shared by the Florida Department of Health, Dr. Michael Sparks with SparksMD Family Medicine, and Dr. Gary Hardoon with Health First.