HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. (WFLA) – Krystal Pate is concerned that any of her four kids could get the flu.

What makes matters worse is the unknown.

“Why keep it closed in and not let people know so they can go by a better way to protect themself, their children and family?” Pate wondered.

There are places in Hillsborough, Pinellas and Polk counties where the flu or flu-like illnesses are rampant, specifically nursing homes, state documents show.

But, health officials won’t budge and tell us where.

“Wouldn’t it behoove the public to know exactly where to avoid?” 8 On Your Side’s Ryan Hughes asked.

“So, any time we identify an outbreak in a setting, we communicate directly in the facility,” said Michael Wiese, a state epidemiologist.

State officials move in and target their messaging to those who could be at risk at the facility, but not the public at large.

“Well, I would disagree with that,” said Tampa attorney Mark Caramanica.  “I think to the extent they’re making that information available to some subset of the population, the citizens of Florida have a right to know.”

Caramanica sees withholding information about the flu, during a time when it’s widespread in Florida, can potentially do more harm than good.

“It would be important for the public to know the frequency, where the outbreaks are occurring, how they may be migrating across the state.  And that’s pure public interest information that can be released in a way that doesn’t compromise anyone’s personal health information,” he said.

A letter from the Florida Department of Health was attached to the Hillsborough County Schools email to parents saying the department is dealing with flu activity levels that have increased sharply over the last several weeks.

The letter also included the following information about the flu vaccine and how to cope if someone becomes sick with the flu.Vaccination is the best way to protect against the flu and severe complications from the flu.

Vaccination is most crucial for children with underlying health conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and neurological and neurodevelopmental conditions. The flu vaccine is offered in many locations including pharmacies, clinics, employers, and schools. Contact your health care provider, county health department, or visit http://www.floridahealth.gov/findaflushot to find a flu vaccine center near you.The flu vaccine is safe.

The national Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommends that all individuals six months of age and older receive the flu vaccine each year. Since infants under six months of age are too young to get vaccinated against influenza, it is important that family members (including

pregnant or breastfeeding mothers) and other caregivers for these children be vaccinated to help protect them from the disease.Keep sick kids at home.

It is especially important that parents keep sick children at home to prevent spreading the flu virus to others. Additional flu prevention steps include staying away from people who are sick, covering sneezes or coughs with a tissue or your elbow, avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth, and frequent hand washing.What to do if your child gets the flu.

If your child becomes sick with flu-like illness, contact your health care provider as soon after symptoms begin as possible. Symptoms of the flu often include fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches, headaches, or fatigue. Antiviral medication for flu has been shown to reduce severity and length of disease, decrease the risk of complications from influenza, and reduce the risk of death among hospitalized patients, particularly in those that start treatment early in their illness. Health care providers can prescribe antiviral treatment if appropriate. Treatment is most effective when started within 48 hours, so contacting your health care provider as soon as your child becomes ill is important, especially if your child has underlying health conditions.The best way to keep yourself and your family safe and healthy during flu season is to:

  • Get vaccinated;
  • Keep sick family members home;
  • Contact your health care provider if you or your child are experiencing flu-like symptoms; and
  • Follow your doctor’s guidance on treatment.

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