Flu Levels Rising In Florida; No Outbreaks Reported In Schools

TAMPA, FL - Flu levels have increased sharply in recent weeks, but Hillsborough County schools are not currently seeing any outbreaks in the school system, a school spokesperson said Friday. The district recently sent out information to parents from the Florida Department of Health encouraging families to get vaccinated for the flu now.

"At this time, flu activity in Hillsborough County Public Schools does not appear to be higher than usual, however, the Florida Department of Health has asked the district to send all families information regarding flu activity in the county," according a statement from the school district.

Tanya Arja, a spokesperson for the Hillsborough County School District, said about 3 percent of students have complained of flu-like symptoms to school nurses.

In the letter emailed to parents, health officials said vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu and severe complications from the flu.

"Vaccination is most crucial for children with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions," the department's letter said.

"The flu vaccine is safe. The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all individuals 6 months of age and older receive the flu vaccine each year. Since infants under 6 months of age are too young to get vaccinated against influenza, it is important that family members (including pregnant or breastfeeding mothers) and other caregivers for these children be vaccinated to help protect them from the disease," the letter said.

Health officials advised that it is especially important that parents keep sick children at home to prevent spreading the flu virus to others. Additional flu prevention steps include staying away from people who are sick, covering sneezes or coughs with a tissue or your elbow, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and frequent hand washing, the letter said.

"If your child becomes sick with flu-like illness, contact your health care provider as soon after symptoms begin as possible. Symptoms of the flu often include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, or fatigue. Antiviral medication for flu has been shown to reduce severity and length of disease, decrease the risk of complications from influenza, and reduce the risk of death among hospitalized patients, particularly in those that start treatment early in their illness. Health care providers can prescribe antiviral treatment if appropriate. Treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours, so contacting your health care provider as soon as your child becomes ill is important, especially if your child has underlying health conditions," according to the letter.

Contact your health care provider, county health department, or visit www.floridahealth.gov to find a flu vaccine center near you.

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