Flu cases sure in Florida amid lower vaccination rates

Increase in respiratory illnesses

FOX 13's Evyn Moon reports on the CDC reporting there has been a surge in common cold, flu, and RSV cases this year, with Florida seeing a 75% increase in infection over the last month.

TAMPA, Fla. - As winter rolls on, it seems that just about everyone is getting sick with some sort of virus.

The CDC has reported a surge in common cold, flu, and RSV cases.

In Florida, flu cases have increased by 75% over the last month, and hospitalizations have followed suit. Doctors are urging people to take precautions to protect themselves this season.

Flu cases have raised 75% this year due to low vaccination rates.

"We didn't really have much flu up until about December, and then we saw this rapid increase in flu," said Dr. John Prpich, a pediatric pulmonologist. "I certainly have seen a rapid increase in flu and children being admitted to the hospital for flu, for influenza and then pneumonia, and, of course, flu in kids with asthma."

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Prpich also noted a drop in flu vaccinations this year, with only 41% of children vaccinated compared to 44% last year.

He said the flu can be particularly dangerous for kids with asthma and those who develop pneumonia, a common complication.

"It’s never too late to get the vaccine," Prpich said. "It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to become fully effective. We've got a lot more winter to go, and in Florida, that means when kids are in school, they're passing these things around."

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Many people mistakenly believe that Florida's warmer climate offers a free pass regarding viral infections, but Prpich debunked that idea.

Woman coughs into elbow.

"People have this opinion that in Florida, our viral seasons are going to be more mild. That's not the case," Prpich explained. "Unfortunately, viruses don't just happen in cold temperatures."

Prpich also addressed concerns about potential side effects from the flu vaccine.

"These symptoms usually don’t last more than a day," he said. "And flu symptoms are much worse, so don't wait."

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