As families prepare to travel and gather for Thanksgiving, the COVID-19 situation in Florida remains worrisome, despite no longer being the significant threat it once was. Instead, different viruses, such as the stomach flu, are causing widespread disruption.
Florida’s COVID-19 risk level as of November 17, is notably low, and state health monitoring has observed a decline in hospitalizations and deaths attributed to the virus in comparison to previous years during the same period. Leading into the holiday season, COVID-19 levels in Broward and Palm Beach counties for the week of November 10 are at their lowest this year, as stated by Florida Department of Health data.
However, COVID-19’s seasonal nature means that cases tend to rise after holiday gatherings and travel.
“COVID-19 is still prevalent, and there is likely to be a winter surge,” stated Dr. Jason Goldman, an internal medicine specialist in Coral Springs.
During family holiday meals, the stomach flu or norovirus is a significant concern, and it is crucial to maintain a safe distance and practice thorough hand hygiene.
“Norovirus has been wreaking havoc in schools,” noted Dr. Jill Roberts, an associate professor at the USF College of Public Health. “It’s highly contagious and challenging to eradicate.”
Norovirus leads to symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and sometimes fever. It spreads through direct contact with an infected person or indirectly via contaminated surfaces, objects, food, or drinks.
“Just a pinprick can cause a thousand people to become ill,” Roberts emphasized.
In the Southeast, including Florida, the percentage of positive laboratory tests for norovirus has nearly doubled in the past month. Annually, the United States reports approximately 2,500 norovirus outbreaks, according to the CDC.
“Norovirus tends to mutate, resulting in a new strain every couple of years,” explained USF’s Roberts.
Due to the presence of multiple norovirus strains, individuals can contract the illness multiple times throughout their lives. The best preventive measure is thorough handwashing.
In the United States, norovirus outbreaks primarily occur during late fall, winter, and early spring. Although symptoms typically last around 48 hours, children under 5 and adults over 85 face a higher risk of severe dehydration and often require emergency medical attention.
While the stomach flu symptoms are distinctive and easy to identify, other respiratory illnesses such as influenza and RSV share similar symptoms. Both are on the rise in Florida.
The most recent update from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) indicates high levels of influenza-like illness activity in Florida. Traditionally, the flu season picks up in December or January, but this year it started in November in Florida.
“We’re seeing an influx of both flu and RSV,” revealed Goldman, the internal medicine specialist.
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is mainly characterized by a croupy cough. Other symptoms include a congested nose, cough, fever, and sore throat. Florida’s RSV season is longer than the national average, with the duration varying across regions, according to state health data. Florida has already experienced 28 RSV outbreaks this year.
“There are treatments available for RSV, but they are costly. We aim to limit treatments for those at high risk,” stressed Roberts.
So far this fall, the CDC has tallied at least 780,000 flu illnesses, over 8,000 hospitalizations, and a minimum of 490 flu-related deaths, including one child. However, it is uncertain how long flu season will last in Florida.
This year, flu vaccination rates are relatively low, with only around 35% of U.S. adults and 33% of children being vaccinated. These figures represent a decline from last year.
Goldman believes flu season will likely stretch at least until the end of April. “Last year, I had patients with the flu as late as June. That’s why prevention is vital,” he added.
Sun Sentinel health reporter Cindy Goodman can be reached at [email protected].
