Central Florida flu cases are rising alongside COVID-19

Flu in May? In Central Florida, cases are rising alongside COVID-19 Central Florida is seeing a late-season spike. The flu season typically runs from October to May, according to the Florida Department of Health. Orlando Sentinel

... Flu cases are increasing in most of the state, including Central Florida, at a time when they’re normally winding down.

Florida’s flu season typically runs from October to May, according to the Florida Department of Health. This year saw a December surge, then a steady decrease in activity until about two months ago, when cases seemingly began rising and haven’t stopped since.

During the first week of May, AdventHealth Centra Care saw about 400 positive flu tests, compared to less than 15 around this time during the last normal flu season in 2019 to 2020, said Dr. Tim Hendrix, medical director of AdventHealth Centra Care. Hendrix is optimistic the increase won’t continue for much longer.

“It does appear as if the late season surge is beginning to level off,” Hendrix said Thursday.

Without a test, it’s impossible to tell whether symptoms are due to the flu or COVID-19, or even allergies. COVID-19 symptoms such as loss of taste or smell aren’t as common anymore, Hendrix said. ...