Flu season is hitting North Texas hard, with a significant increase in cases compared to previous years. Children’s Health and Cook’s Children’s have reported a surge in hospitalizations due to the flu, particularly among children. The Texas Department of Health and Human Services has observed a steady rise in flu cases each week, with Children’s Health seeing a drastic increase from 331 to 1,101 cases within a month.
One family in Denton experienced the severity of the flu firsthand when their 7-year-old son, who had received a flu shot, was hospitalized with Type-A flu and a cold virus. The child struggled to breathe and required urgent medical attention, ultimately making a full recovery. Health officials attribute the widespread flu activity to low vaccination rates among adults and children, with the dominant strains being Type A H1N1 and Type A H3N2.
To protect against the flu, health officials recommend frequent handwashing, avoiding touching the face, and cleaning commonly used surfaces. Staying home when sick is crucial to prevent the spread of the virus. The CDC estimates that over 24 million flu illnesses have occurred nationwide, leading to 310,000 hospitalizations and 13,000 deaths, including 57 children.
As flu season continues to peak, it is essential for individuals to take precautions to stay healthy and prevent the spread of the virus. Stay informed and follow the advice of health professionals to minimize the impact of the flu on communities across North Texas.
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