Could a flu-COVID ‘twindemic’ come to Florida this winter?

Early numbers show that Florida could see an aggressive flu season. Exacerbating the issue, COVID-19 infections continue to linger. A rise in both could lead to what experts call a “twindemic” in the state. The Florida Department of Health found that influenza cases from August to September were higher than expected, which could be an indication of an above-average flu season, said Dr. Cindy Prins, a professor of epidemiology at the University of Florida. [Source: Health News Florida]

Florida Trend Exclusive
Over 1,000 breast cancer patients enrolled in Breast Cancer Research Program at Baptist MD Anderson

The cancer center has 55 cancer trials overall, with 16 of those trials geared specifically toward breast cancer. Some of the trials are in partnership with MD Anderson Cancer Center in Houston, while others are specific to Baptist MD Anderson. Baptist MD Anderson also is part of an international genomic study of breast tumors that will help lead to more precise diagnoses and treatment options. [Source: Florida Trend]

What to know about gender-affirming care for trans youth as Florida weighs more restrictions

After five hours of tense testimony and protests, the Florida Board of Medicine voted Friday to start drafting a rule that would bar all minors in the state from receiving puberty blockers, hormone therapy or surgeries as treatment for gender dysphoria. Florida’s medical board is the first in the country to pursue such a rule, but Florida is among a wave of states where officials have attempted to restrict gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. More from  Health News Floridaand NBC News.

Florida KidCare covering monthly premium payments for families impacted by Hurricane Ian

Florida KidCare member families who live in a county impacted by Hurricane Ian can get a break on their premium payments through the end of the year. On Thursday, the Florida Healthy Kids Corporation Board of Directors announced it would cover 100% of eligible families’ monthly premium payments for October. Families are eligible if they live in one of the 26 Florida counties designated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) as eligible for individual assistance. [Source: WFTV]

Florida asks the Supreme Court to reject a health coach's free speech case

The Florida Department of Health this week urged the U.S. Supreme Court to reject a First Amendment challenge to a law that blocked a woman from providing dietary advice to clients in her health and nutrition coaching business. Heather Kokesch Del Castillo was cited by the Department of Health in 2017 for getting paid to provide dietary advice without being a licensed dietitian or nutritionist after she moved to Northwest Florida. She contended that the state violated her speech rights. After losing in federal district court and the 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Del Castillo in August filed a petition asking the Supreme Court to take up the issue. [Source: News Service of Florida]

ALSO AROUND FLORIDA:

› Researchers in DeLand are looking for participants for an RSV vaccine trial [WMFE]
Researchers in Central Florida are looking for people to enroll in clinical trials for a combination RSV, COVID and flu vaccine. Respiratory syncytial, or RSV, usually causes mild flu-like symptoms in most people, but in children under 1 and adults 65 and older, it can be deadly. Cases and hospitalizations are on the rise in Central Florida, which is why Dr. Bruce Rankin, medical director at Accel Research Site in DeLand, says participants in the research can save lives.

› Florida health care firm agrees to $7M settlement over Medicare claims [Tampa Bay Times]
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Justice announced that Carter Healthcare will pay $7.1 million to resolve allegations that it overbilled for home care therapy paid by Medicare and gave unneeded medical treatment to patients across Florida. The complaint filed in the U.S. District Court South District of Florida revealed that Carter Healthcare expected employees to ensure patients received a minimum of 18 home physical or occupational therapy sessions — no matter their condition.

› North Manatee County to get second major medical facility [Business Observer]
North Manatee County is primed to get its second major medical facility. The latest one comes from HCA Florida Healthcare, which plans to build a medical center that will anchor a health-oriented complex in North River Ranch, a master-planned community in Parrish. Dubbed the North River Ranch Village Center, it will be home to mixed-use spaces like an organic grocer, restaurants, fitness center and a brewery, according to a statement.

› Jacksonville health care nonprofit WeCareJax celebrates its volunteers [Florida Times-Union]
For almost 30 years WeCareJax has provided free primary and specialty care for uninsured Duval County adults. And for 12 years the nonprofit has annually honored a few of the "incredible … volunteers who help make sure our uninsured neighbors in need can access health care when they need it most, at no cost to the patient or their family," Executive Director Angela Strain said. The 2022 Caring Awards celebration will be Thursday.