Flu season has intensified in Central Florida, marked by a significant rise in confirmed cases and a concerning drop in vaccination rates. Medical facilities across the region report that the flu is spreading rapidly, with some healthcare professionals noting a stark contrast to last year’s situation. Dr. Ariel Mejia, an internal medicine specialist and medical director at the UCF Health Faculty Physician Practice, stated, “I’m seeing it daily versus maybe a case here or there last season.”
In December alone, Orlando Health recorded approximately 4,500 confirmed flu cases across its facilities, representing a nearly 20% increase compared to the previous year. While the nationwide number of flu cases has recently started to decline, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Florida remains one of 36 states reporting “high activity.” Outbreaks have been confirmed in both Orange and Seminole counties within the last three weeks, as documented by the Florida Department of Health.
As of now, the ongoing flu season has resulted in an estimated 18 million illnesses across the United States, leading to 230,000 hospitalizations and 9,300 deaths. Several factors contribute to the current surge in cases, including increased tourism, colder weather, a more virulent strain of the virus, and declining vaccination rates.
The vaccination rate in Florida has seen a downward trend in recent years. During the 2024-25 flu season, only about 37% of children aged six months to 17 received the flu vaccine, a decrease from 46% in the 2023-24 season, according to CDC statistics. Additionally, only 33.5% of Florida adults reported receiving the flu vaccine in 2024, placing the state 47th out of 50 in vaccination rates. The national average for adults that year was 41.3%.
Dr. Tim Hendrix, chief medical officer at AdventHealth Centra Care, noted that the lower vaccination rates help explain the increase in flu cases. His facilities have reported approximately 1,500 flu cases per week this year, up from an average of 1,200 last year. Dr. Daniel Egan, an infectious disease physician at Orlando Health, highlighted the dual challenges of a more severe strain and a high volume of travel, stating, “So you’re getting hit from two directions at once.”
The current flu strain, known as Subclade K or H3N2, has emerged as a dominant variant this season. This strain was identified after the formulation of the current flu vaccine, which has led to reduced effectiveness against it. Although the vaccine may be less effective against this specific strain, health officials still recommend that residents get vaccinated, as it provides protection against other circulating strains.
Preventative Measures and Recommendations
Protection against the flu hinges on fundamental health practices. Public health experts emphasize the importance of hand washing, social distancing, and vaccination. Dr. Hendrix advised, “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.”
Local health institutions, such as HCA Florida Osceola Hospital, recently posted on social media that flu cases are on the rise, reminding the public, “It’s not too late to get a flu shot.” Dr. Mejia affirmed that while the current flu vaccine may not effectively combat the K strain, it will still offer some protection against other strains that are prevalent.
If individuals contract the flu, Mejia recommends using masks and practicing social distancing. “It becomes a community problem when no particular individual is taking care of themselves,” he stated.
Health officials urge anyone experiencing worsening symptoms, which may include fever, dizziness, and cough, to seek medical attention. Those with underlying health conditions, such as asthma, diabetes, or heart disease, should prioritize testing and vaccination as part of their healthcare routine.
As Central Florida navigates this challenging flu season, public health advocates continue to stress the importance of vaccination and preventative measures to mitigate the impact of the virus on the community.
