The flu season in Florida has arrived. Earlier this month, the Florida Department of Health confirmed a 7-year-old and a 17-year-old died from influenza-associated complication.
“We are beginning to see an increase in flu activity in our county. Now is a good time to remind all that a flu shot is an excellent preventive measure,” said Dr. Alina Alonso, Director, Florida Department of Health in Palm Beach County.
Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. Celeste Philip said most people view the flu as a minimal threat, but Floridians should take flu infection seriously.
What is the CDC doing about it?
The CDC is using next-generation gene sequencing tools to analyze flu viruses as part of CDC’s Advanced Molecular Detection (AMD) initiative. The technology allows CDC to study more influenza viruses faster and in more detail than ever before. AMD technology uses genomic sequencing, high-performance computing, and epidemiology to study pathogens and improve disease detection. CDC is using this Next Generation-Sequencing (NGS) technology to monitor genetic changes in influenza viruses in order to better understand and improve the effectiveness of influenza vaccines.
It’s important to stress that the flu vaccine can keep people from getting flu, make flu illness less severe if they do get it, AND keep them from spreading flu to their family and other people that could be at high risk of severe flu complications.
Sources:
http://palmbeachhealthbeat.blog.palmbeachpost.com/2017/01/17/flu-season-is-here-in-florida-taking-two-lives-already/
https://blogs.cdc.gov/publichealthmatters/2017/03/using-amd-to-fight-flu/
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