A nationwide flu tracking initiative shows that Florida has a particularly high level of activity.
The Walgreens Flu Index "tracks flu, COVID-19 and other acute respiratory illness activity nationwide," according to a press release by the company
. It draws from several data sources, including "Walgreens flu and COVID-19 testing data, prescription antivirals and over-the-counter cold and flu purchasing trends."The "national flu score" is 3.6 out of 10, according to the map, while Florida's flu score is 6.35. The state's COVID-19 score is 2.25, while the national score is 2.43. Only two states have higher flu scores — Washington has a score of 7.28, and Hawaii has a score of 6.48. The map was last updated on Nov. 7, according to the website.
The
most recent Florida Influenza Surveillance Report by the Florida Department of Health, which covers the period from Nov. 1 to Nov. 7, shows that flu and "influenza-like illness" activity is increasing across much of the state, including in South Florida.
Miami-Dade County has a flu score of 5.83 and a COVID-19 score of 2.43. Neighboring Broward County has a flu score of 5.87 and a COVID-19 score of 2.14, while Palm Beach County has a flu score of 6.70 and a COVID-19 score of 2.35. Monroe County has a flu score of 2.40 and a COVID-19 score of 2.32.
How to avoid getting the flu
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the best way to reduce your risk of contracting seasonal flu "and its potentially serious complications" is to get vaccinated every year.
Additionally, preventative actions such as "avoiding people who are sick, covering your cough and washing your hands" can help stop the spread of germs. If soap and water aren't available, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can also help kill germs.
You can also avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth, as "germs can be spread" that way.
Sarah Perkel is a South Florida Connect Reporter for the USA TODAY Network's Florida Connect team. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Map shows Florida has high flu activity. What about South Florida?
