"Florida Faces Surge in Winter Illnesses as Flu, RSV, and COVID Rates Climb"
The CDC has designated Florida as having "high" flu activity, with significant increases in cases across most counties. This comes during a period of high tourist influx, with Orlando International Airport seeing a 13.5% increase in passengers over the holidays compared to 2022. Despite no confirmed outbreaks in Orange County, where Orlando is located, the number of travelers raises concerns. Health officials recommend vaccinations, as the state experiences crowded conditions, especially at popular destinations like Walt Disney World Resort, which saw high crowd levels and long wait times for attractions during the holiday season.