January 3, 2025 — The final weeks of December have proven to show rising numbers in positive flu cases and other respiratory illnesses, such as COVID-19, parainfluenza, RSV and rhinovirus (common cold). In December, the number of patients presenting with influenza was three times higher than the previous year.
For the week of Dec. 22, 2024 through Dec. 28, 2024, Lee Health reported 713 positive flu cases with 668 influenza A and 45 influenza B cases in outpatient settings. For the same week, there were 560 positive cases in Lee Health hospitals, all as influenza A.
To safeguard the health of our patients and staff, Lee Health wants to share some tips to help the Southwest Florida community stay vigilant and healthy during this year’s flu season:
- Wear a Mask. If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms, we ask that you please wear a mask in our facilities. If you do not have one, a mask will be provided at the front entrance.
- Wash Your Hands. Ensure your clean your hands often to prevent the spread of illness.
When washing hands with soap and water:
- Wet your hands with clean running water and apply soap
- Create a lather and scrub your hands
- Wash your hands for 15-20 seconds. This is as long as it takes to sing the “Happy Birthday” song twice.
- Rinse your hands thoroughly under running water
- Dry your hands using a paper towel and use the paper towel to turn off the faucet
- If soap and clean water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to clean your hands
When using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer:
- Apply the product to the palm of one hand
- Rub your hands together
- Rub the hand sanitizer over all the surfaces of your hands and fingers and continue rubbing until your hands are dry
- Get the Flu Shot. The annual influenza vaccination is the most effective way to combat the flu each year. The vaccine is available by making an appointment with a physician, urgent care clinics and at many drug stores and pharmacies. Please discuss with your healthcare provider if you have specific questions about the flu shot.
Flu-like symptoms include chills, headache, fever, muscle or body aches, headache, cough, sort throat, runny or stuffy nose, fatigue and sometimes vomiting and diarrhea. If you are experiencing severe or life-threatening symptoms, please visit your closest Emergency Room.
For more information on the flu or to make an appointment with a physician, please visit www.leehealth.org.
About the Flu
Influenza (the flu) is a contagious respiratory illness caused by viruses that infect the nose, throat and lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness and can be fatal in some cases. Complications of flu can include bacterial pneumonia, ear and sinus infections, dehydration and worsening of chronic medical conditions, such as congestive heart failure, asthma, or diabetes. Children younger than five years old, adults older than age 65, pregnant women and people living with chronic medical conditions are at a higher risk for flu-related complications.
About Lee Health
Since the opening of the first hospital in 1916, Lee Health has been a health care leader in Southwest Florida, constantly evolving to meet the needs of the community. A non-profit, integrated health care services organization, Lee Health is committed to the well-being of every individual served, focused on healthy living and maintaining good health. Health care services are conveniently located throughout the community in four acute care hospitals, two specialty hospitals, outpatient centers, walk-in medical centers, primary care and specialty physician practices and other services across the continuum of care. Learn more at www.LeeHealth.org.