Flu season has intensified in Central Florida, with a significant rise in confirmed cases and a notable decline in vaccination rates among residents. Medical facilities throughout the region are reporting a marked increase in flu activity, raising concerns among health officials.
Dr. Ariel Mejia, an internal medicine specialist and medical director at UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice, stated, “I’m seeing it daily versus maybe a case here or there last season.” Orlando Health confirmed approximately 4,500 flu cases across its facilities in December 2024, reflecting a 20% increase compared to the previous year.
Despite a nationwide decrease in flu cases over the last two weeks, as reported by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Florida remains one of 36 states experiencing “high activity.” Both Orange and Seminole counties have reported outbreaks in recent weeks, according to the Florida Department of Health. The CDC estimates that this flu season has resulted in 18 million illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths across the United States.
Factors Behind the Surge
Experts attribute the surge in flu cases to several factors, including increased tourism, cold weather, a more potent strain of the virus, and declining vaccination rates. Florida’s vaccination rate has fallen in recent years, with only 37% of children aged six months to 17 receiving the flu vaccine during the 2024-25 season, down from 46% in 2023-24, according to the CDC. Adult vaccination rates are similarly concerning, with only 33.5% of Florida adults vaccinated in 2024, placing the state 47th out of 50 in terms of vaccination rates, compared to a national average of 41.3% for adults.
Dr. Tim Hendrix, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Centra Care, noted, “The strain that we’re seeing this season is heavy, and we also have a heavy population with a lot of travel right now.” He reported that AdventHealth Centra Care facilities have seen about 1,500 flu cases per week this year, up from an average of 1,200 cases last year.
The emergence of the Subclade K strain, a mutated variant of the flu identified after the current vaccine formulation, has further complicated the situation. This strain, also known as H3N2, constitutes the majority of reported cases. Dr. Daniel Egan, an infectious disease physician with Orlando Health, explained that the flu virus undergoes gradual mutations, which can result in strains that are more virulent than previous ones. Since Subclade K was detected later in the season, the flu shot is less effective against it, though health officials still advocate for vaccination as the best preventive measure.
Preventive Measures and Recommendations
To protect against the flu, health experts emphasize the importance of basic hygiene practices, such as handwashing, maintaining social distance, and getting vaccinated. Dr. Hendrix advises, “Look, take care of your immune system and your immune system will help protect you during this year, but the best thing to protect you, above and beyond a healthy lifestyle, is the vaccine.”
While the current flu vaccine may provide limited protection against the K strain, it can still be effective against other circulating strains. Recently, HCA Florida Osceola Hospital highlighted on social media that flu cases are on the rise in Florida, emphasizing, “It’s not too late to get a flu shot.”
In the event of flu symptoms, which may include fever, cough, and dizziness, Dr. Mejia recommends wearing masks and practicing social distancing. He added, “It becomes a community’s problem when no particular individual is taking care of themselves.”
Individuals with preexisting health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, and heart disease, should prioritize vaccination and seek medical attention if symptoms worsen or if they experience severe shortness of breath.
As flu season continues in Central Florida, residents are urged to remain vigilant and proactive in protecting their health and the health of their communities.
