By Fallan Patterson
Staff Writer

Reports of flu activity have steadily increased in Osceola County in the past three weeks, according to data provided to the local Health Department.

Five county primary care agencies, such as doctors’ offices and clinics, reported 42 instances of influenza A and B during the week ending Jan. 1, compared to only 18 occurrences for the week ending Dec. 18.

Just five flu cases were reported in the first week of 2010, according to Camille Bissainthe, public information officer for the Osceola County Health Department.

“Influenza is not a reportable disease, therefore we cannot measure the flu activity throughout the county,” Bissainthe said in an e-mail Thursday. “This is a sample representation.”

Florida is not one of the five states the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention announced Dec. 31 had widespread flu cases. Those states are New York, Alabama, Mississippi, Georgia and Virginia.

However, with children back in school after winter break and offices filling up with post-vacation employees, residents should be familiar with flu symptoms.

The symptoms of flu include fever of 100 degrees or higher, cough, sore throat and fatigue, possibly with diarrhea and vomiting.

“Influenza is spread by droplets: coughing, sneezing, touching your hands, so it is important to practice good hygiene, including frequent hand-washing,” Belinda Johnson-Cornett, administrator of the county Health Department, said. “The best way to protect yourself and others against influenza is to get a flu vaccination.”

Centra Care, which has clinics in Osceola County, diagnosed 216 patients the final week of 2010 with influenza. Just a month earlier, clinicians had only made 28 flu diagnoses, according to a company press release.

To prevent catching the flu this season, follow these tips from the Osceola County Health Department:

• Avoid close contact with those who are sick.

• Stay home when you are sick.

• Cover your mouth and nose with tissue when coughing or sneezing.

• Keep hands clean.

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.