Flu cases are on the rise in Texas, with health officials reporting significant increases in hospital visits and influenza detection. According to the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Texas is among nine states experiencing a surge in flu cases. Dr. Theresa Tran, director of the Houston Health Department, indicated that monitoring has revealed a marked uptick in influenza A cases, particularly through wastewater analysis and healthcare visits.
The Houston Health Department’s findings reveal that emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses have nearly doubled compared to last month. The age group most affected is children aged five to eleven, who account for over a quarter of all respiratory-related ER visits. This is a notable increase from approximately 15% during the same period last year. The rise in cases began around Thanksgiving and has continued to develop through December.
Current Trends and Predictions
Dr. Tran noted, “This year, the trend is slightly higher than last year, so I anticipate the trend is going to continue to rise.” Despite a slight decrease in reported flu cases within the Houston Methodist health system, where positive flu A tests dropped from 1,051 on December 19 to 756 for the week of Christmas, the numbers remain elevated compared to a month ago.
Experts caution that flu symptoms typically manifest between one to four days after exposure, making the early days of illness critical for managing health. To combat the flu effectively, the health department recommends several strategies: staying hydrated and nourished, using at-home flu tests for confirmation, and relying on over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms. Unfortunately, there is no cure for the flu, and it must run its course.
As children return to school, health officials emphasize that flu activity may intensify in January and February. Dr. Tran remarked, “It tends to get higher around January and February, but we have seen spikes in April and May. It’s just really hard to tell.”
With flu season in full swing, the public is urged to remain vigilant and take precautionary measures to protect themselves and others.
