The Florida Department of Health says flu season is picking up, placing pregnant women at high risk for serious illness. This week, 24 Florida counties have reported an increase in influenza cases, particularly the H1N1 swine flu, a dominant strain this season, the Palm Beach Post reports. The H1N1 swine flu caused a worldwide pandemic in 2009.
Swine flu is being blamed for last month’s death of a 27-year-old mother of three, the Tampa Bay Times reported Friday. Holly Harrelson died at Pasco Regional Medical Center. The state also reports that one child has died from flu so far this year.