The current flu season has impacted Central Florida significantly, with a reported surge in confirmed cases and lower vaccination rates among residents. Medical facilities across the state are experiencing high levels of flu activity, prompting health professionals to urge the public to take preventive measures.
According to Dr. Ariel Mejia, an internal medicine specialist and medical director at the UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice, the rise in cases is evident. “I’m seeing it daily versus maybe a case here or there last season,” he stated. In December alone, Orlando Health reported approximately 4,500 confirmed flu cases, a notable increase of about 20% compared to the previous year.
While nationwide flu cases have begun to decline over the past two weeks, the situation remains critical in Florida, which is one of 36 states experiencing “high activity.” Outbreaks have been reported in both Orange and Seminole counties within the last three weeks, as noted by the Florida Department of Health. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that this flu season has led to 18 million illnesses, 230,000 hospitalizations, and 9,300 deaths across the country.
Several factors contribute to the rise in flu cases, according to local health experts. Increased tourism, colder weather, a stronger strain of the virus, and declining vaccination rates are all cited as significant influences. The vaccination rate in Florida has dropped in recent years. For instance, during the 2024-25 flu season, only 37% of children aged six months to 17 received the flu vaccine, down from 46% in the 2023-24 season. Among adults, approximately 33.5% reported receiving the vaccine, placing Florida 47th out of the 50 states, according to America’s Health Rankings.
Dr. Tim Hendrix, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Centra Care, indicated that the lower vaccination rates correlate with the rising number of flu cases. His facilities have been witnessing around 1,500 flu cases per week this year, compared to an average of 1,200 last year.
The flu strain affecting many this season, known as Subclade K or H3N2, was identified after the current vaccine formulation was developed. Dr. Daniel Egan, an infectious disease physician at Orlando Health, explained the implications of this mutation. “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 said. He emphasized that as the flu virus mutates over time, it can lead to strains that are more virulent than those previously circulating.
Typically, health authorities assess circulating strains globally to inform vaccine development before the flu season begins. Since Subclade K emerged later than expected, the vaccine may be less effective against it. However, health experts still recommend vaccination as the best preventive measure, as it can help protect against other circulating strains.
To mitigate the flu’s impact, health professionals stress the importance of basic protective measures. Regular hand washing, maintaining social distance, and vaccination are crucial in preventing the spread. Dr. Hendrix advised individuals to focus on bolstering their immune systems, stating, “The best thing to protect you, above and beyond a healthy lifestyle, is the vaccine.”
Despite the vaccine’s reduced effectiveness against the K strain, it remains beneficial against other variants. HCA Florida Osceola Hospital recently reminded the public via social media that it is not too late to get vaccinated.
In the event of flu symptoms, which may include fever, dizziness, and cough, Dr. Mejia recommends using masks and practicing social distancing. “It becomes a community’s problem when no particular individual is taking care of themselves,” he noted.
Medical professionals advise that those experiencing worsening symptoms or extreme shortness of breath should seek immediate medical attention, particularly individuals with preexisting conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. As the flu season progresses, prioritizing vaccination and preventive measures remains essential for the health of the community.
