Lee Health reports on uptick in flu cases
Those who may be feeling a bit under the weather to start the new year are not alone.
According to data from Lee Health, Lee County’s leading heath care system has seen an uptick in influenza cases over the past few weeks.
According to the most recent data spanning from Dec. 21-27, Lee Health Ambulatory reported 531 positive specimens: 399 influenza A and 132 influenza B, while Acute Care reported 419 positive specimens: 362 influenza A and 57 influenza B.
“Influenza season in general peaks from December to February,” Medical Affairs Vice President Dr. Mary Beth Saunders said. “However, in southern Florida, we often see another spike with the arrival of people enjoying spring break in March and April.”
While flu cases at Lee Health facilities has risen over the last couple of weeks, numbers are down if you look back to last season.
“We have 950 combined flu-related cases this year. Last year at this time, we had 1,273 cases,” Lee Heath’s Dr. Charles Callahan said.
“Since last summer, a newer version of the flu virus has been spreading across several countries. While this version differs from earlier ones, there is no evidence yet that it causes more serious illness,” he added. “Early data suggest that the flu vaccine continues to help prevent hospitalizations among children and adults, even if it may not always prevent milder flu symptoms. Vaccination remains especially important for people at higher risk of complications and those who care for them, as it is still expected to protect against severe illness.”
Flu cases are also rising nationwide, according to the Centers For Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). The latest CDC data from the last week of 2025 states there were at least 11,000,000 illnesses, 120,000 hospitalizations and 5,000 deaths from flu to date for this season.
According to Lee Health officials, the influenza vaccine is recommended for anyone 6 months of age and older to decrease the risk of hospitalization and complications related to influenza.
“Influenza virus may mutate but does not change completely, so even if the vaccine is not a perfect match it can still help decrease symptoms, decrease duration of illness and contagiousness,” Saunders said.
Certain populations are at greater risk for serious complications of influenza:
– People age 65 years and older
– Children younger than 2
– People with health conditions such as chronic lung, heart and kidney disease and conditions that can weaken the immune system
– Pregnant women during pregnancy and for two weeks after delivery
“Protecting vulnerable populations from the flu is crucial because they are at higher risk of severe illness or death due to weaker immune defenses or preexisting health conditions,” Callahan said. “It also safeguards individuals who cannot be fully vaccinated and alleviates pressure on healthcare resources.”
Saunders said the best ways to stay proactive against contracting and spreading the flu is to wash your hands frequently with soap and water for 20 seconds, or use an alcohol-based hand gel, and to stay away from people who are ill when possible.
Lee Health urges people to visit Lee Health Convenient Care locations if you have the flu. Clinics are specifically designed to treat flu symptoms in a much easier and faster way than emergency rooms, which handle life-threatening medical issues.
Flu shots can be found at many local pharmacies, as well as at Lee Health facilities.
To schedule an appointment for a flu vaccine through Lee Health, visit www.leehealth.org/patient-resources/vaccines/vaccine-appointments.
To reach CJ HADDAD / cjhaddad@breezenewspapers.com, please email