Florida health officials urge residents to get flu shot as soon as possible

The Florida Department of Health is encouraging residents to get their flu vaccination immediately as the virus continues to spread.

The Center for Disease Control estimates that there have been at least 6.4 million cases nation wide for this year’s flu season. More than 55,000 cases were hospitalized and 2,900 of the cases resulted in death, according to health officials.

Florida Surgeon General Dr. Scott Rivkees said in a statement: “Influenza is a contagious virus that can spread rapidly in our communities and cause severe illness resulting in hospitalization or death. Getting vaccinated is the best way to avoid the flu; it reduces the spread of the virus and can also help make illnesses less severe for those who do still get sick.”