Estimates are that between 15% and 40% of the population will develop illness from influenza every year. An average of about 36,000 people per year in the United States die from influenza, and 114,000 per year have to be admitted to the hospital as a result of influenza infection. Anyone can get the flu (even healthy people), and serious problems from influenza can happen at any age. People age 65 years and older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, and very young children are more likely to get complications from influenza.

For the most current information about influenza in Florida, please see Florida's weekly surveillance report, the Flu Review, included below under Influenza Surveillance.

• Influenza and ILI activity in Florida is low in all FDOH surveillance systems. Most counties report low to no activity. One county reports moderate activity.
• No ILI or influenza outbreaks were reported to EpiCom in week 19. Low numbers of influenza specimens have tested positive for influenza by the state lab this flu season. All flu identified has been due to seasonal influenza strains. No specimens have tested positive for novel influenza in Florida.
• In week 19, 12 specimens tested PCR-positive for influenza at the state lab. Two specimens tested positive for influenza A H3 and ten for influenza B. Other viruses known to be currently circulating, potentially causing ILI, include adenovirus, rhinovirus, parainfluenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

In order to enhance our surveillance, the Bureau of Epidemiology has released new guidance for influenza specimen submission for sentinel providers. This new guidance is intended to increase the submission of specimens taken from children.