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Acute Respiratory Disease Surveillance

Influenza
Influenza, or 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.

Estimates are that between 15% and 40% of the population will develop illness from influenza every year. An average of about 36,000 people per year in the United States die from influenza, and 114,000 per year have to be admitted to the hospital as a result of influenza infection. Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age. People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to get complications from influenza.

For the most current information about influenza in Florida, please see Florida's weekly surveillance report, the Flu Review, included below under Influenza Surveillance.

Flu Updates:
National:

  • Influenza and influenza-like illness are at low levels nationwide according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports. Using Florida ILINet data, CDC calculated minimal ILI intensity for Florida in week 3.
  • Since August, 2011, twelve people in five states were infected with a novel H3N2 influenza A containing elements of the 2009 pandemic strain of H1N1 influenza A. Six of the 12 patients had no identified recent exposure to swine. These viruses originate from influenza that circulates in pigs, and are different than the seasonal strains of influenza currently known to be circulating in Florida. Three of the 12 patients were hospitalized, and all have recovered fully. None of these cases have resulted in deaths, and most cases have occurred in school-age children. No cases of novel influenza have been reported in Florida. More information can be found in the CDC MMWR Early Release, Vol. 60 dated December 23, 2011 http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/pdf/wk/mm60e1223.pdf

State:

  • Influenza and ILI activity in Florida is low in all FDOH surveillance systems. All reporting counties report low to no activity.
  • No outbreaks of ILI or influenza were reported in week 3.
  • Low numbers of influenza specimens have tested positive for seasonal influenza A H3 by the state lab this flu season. All flu identified has been due to seasonal influenza strains. No specimens have tested positive for novel influenza in Florida.
  • In week 3, 4 specimens tested PCR-positive for influenza at the state lab. Two specimens tested positive for H1N1, another for seasonal H3 influenza A and a fourth for influenza B. Other viruses known to be currently circulating, potentially causing ILI, include adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In order to enhance our surveillance, the Bureau of Epidemiology has released new guidance for influenza specimen submission for sentinel providers. This new guidance is intended to increase the submission of specimens taken from children.

Influenza Fact Sheets

Influenza Surveillance

Resources for County Health Departments

Additional Influenza Resources

Other Acute Respiratory Disease Programs

Additional Information