Flu Cases Are Rising in Florida: What Tampa Bay Families Should Know (and When to See an ENT)

Flu activity is up in Florida—especially around Tampa Bay

If it feels like “everyone is sick” right now, that impression matches what public health surveillance is showing. Florida’s influenza activity has increased, and county-level trends list Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas among the counties with increasing flu or influenza-like illness activity. Florida Department of Health

Nationally, the CDC reports elevated and increasing influenza activity, with Influenza A(H3N2) among the most frequently reported viruses this season. CDC Flu seasons often surge after holiday travel and school/work return, and Florida typically sees sustained winter transmission.

A quick reminder: what “flu” actually looks like

Influenza is not the same thing as “a bad cold.” Flu tends to be more abrupt and more systemic.

Common flu symptoms

Sudden fever and chills
Body aches, headache, marked fatigue
Dry cough and sore throat
Congestion can occur, but the “hit-by-a-truck” feeling is a common clue

Why this matters for an ENT practice

At Vitale Ear, Nose & Throat, many of the conditions we diagnose and treat—like nasal congestion, postnasal drip, sinusitis, facial pressure, and allergy-driven symptoms—can overlap with viral illnesses early on. vitaleent.com The result is that patients may assume they have a sinus infection (or allergies) when they actually have influenza, or vice-versa.

Here is a practical way to think about it:

More consistent with flu

Sudden onset fever + body aches + profound fatigue
Significant cough early
Multiple sick contacts at home/work/school

More consistent with allergies

Itchy eyes/nose, sneezing fits, clear drainage
No fever
Symptoms fluctuate with exposure and season

More consistent with bacterial sinus infection

Symptoms persist 10+ days without improvement, or
You initially improve from a viral illness and then worsen again (often with thicker drainage, facial/tooth pressure, or recurrent fever)

What you should do early (first 48 hours matters)

If you suspect flu—especially if you are high risk (age 65+, pregnancy, chronic heart/lung disease, immunocompromised, etc.)—timing matters. The CDC notes that antiviral treatment has the greatest benefit when started as soon as possible, ideally within 48 hours of symptom onset, and clinicians should not delay decisions while waiting for test confirmation when flu is strongly suspected. CDC+1

At-home basics (most people)

Hydration, rest, fever control per label instructions
Stay home to reduce spread
Consider testing (flu/COVID) if available, especially if you are around higher-risk family members

Call sooner if you are high risk

You may benefit from prescription antivirals, which work best early. CDC

When to seek urgent or emergency care

Flu can cause serious complications. The CDC lists emergency warning signs (especially relevant for children) including trouble breathing, bluish lips/face, chest pain, dehydration, seizures, very high fever not controlled by medication, or symptoms that improve then worsen again. CDC If you are concerned, it is always appropriate to seek urgent evaluation.

How to reduce your family’s risk (without overcomplicating it)

A few straightforward steps still make a meaningful difference:

Vaccination: Even in years where the match isn’t perfect, flu vaccination is still recommended because it can reduce severity and complications. (If you missed it earlier, it is typically still worthwhile during an active season.)
Hand hygiene: Especially before eating and after public surfaces
Don’t share cups/utensils: Particularly in households with kids
Masking in tight indoor settings: Consider it temporarily when flu activity is high and you are around high-risk individuals
Stay home when febrile: This is one of the highest-impact actions for community spread

When an ENT visit is appropriate during flu season

Consider an VitaleENT.com evaluation when:

Nasal congestion/pressure is persistent or worsening after the typical