Florida Department of Health numbers show flu activity is high statewide, outbreaks in Duval and Baker counties

Jacksonville, FL — As much of the nation deals with a widespread flu season-- Florida is no different.

The Florida Department of Health says flu activity is high statewide and continues to increase, with those increases observed in all regions. 

The department says since the start of the 2017-2018 flu season, there have been 107 total outbreaks of the flu and a flu-like illness. This is more outbreaks than what's usually seen at this time in flu season.

According to the health department stats, nearly all of the outbreaks, 94%, have been in facilities that serve people a higher risk for flu complications, such as children and adults, 65 and older, like schools and healthcare facilities.

Duval and Baker counties are among those experiencing recent outbreaks.

In Duval County, the health department says a nursing and rehabilitation center reported 4 residents with a flu-like illness, which then tested positive for influenza A. Two long-term care facilities also reported a combined 15 individuals with flu-like illnesses. One group later tested positive for influenza B; the investigation into the other illness is still ongoing.

Meanwhile, in Baker County, outbreaks of a flu-like illness have been reported at a health care facility and a long-term care facility, involving a combined total of 15 people. Testing is ongoing in both cases.

With all of these recent outbreaks, the department of health says you should get a flu shot if you haven't already.

If you do get sick, it's recommended that you stay home until you're fever-free for at least 24 hours, without the use of fever-reducing medication.