|
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
|
