influenza

The rate of pediatric deaths in Florida is 0.6 per 100,000 population, more than in 2020-21, when it was 0.3 per 100,000. The state also reports the child vaccination rate is lower than the same point last year.

The CDC estimates 19,000 people have died from the flu so far this winter including 86 children. The agency says at least nine of those children experienced brain complications

While the latest state report shows the first significant decrease in flu cases since the peak, the numbers are still higher compared to the same period in recent years.

Springtime upticks in flu are possible. But other indicators, like hospitalizations and patient testing, show low and declining activity.

CDC stats show a continued national drop in flu hospitalizations, but other indicators were up — including the number of states with high or very high levels for respiratory illnesses.

As the flu season progresses, 11 states are reporting a high level of illnesses. Also, the CDC says it is looking into reports of outbreaks of pneumonia in two states but doesn't believe it’s due to anything unusual.

Despite flu activity spiking in Florida, pediatric vaccine levels are lagging behind the rest of the country.

It's not uncommon for cases of respiratory illness to rise in the winter months, but health officials are still encouraging vaccination to protect folks during gatherings.

Flu, COVID, and respiratory viruses kill thousands of Americans each year, but the latest batch of vaccines could save lives.

The at-home nasal swab kit simultaneously tests for COVID-19 and two strains of the flu.