Flu Cases Up in Texas

If you're feeling ill today, it may not be the lingering effects of a night out on New Year's Eve.

Flu cases are up in Texas. Emergency rooms from Dallas to Lufkin to Houston are saying they're seeing more flu cases right now, with fevers of 102 to 103 and that yucky, awful, achey feeling. And of course the other pleasantries associated with the flu that we don't need to mention.

With flu cases on the rise, what can be done?

Doctors say the flu can spread through the tiniest droplet of fluid that comes from an infected person's cough or sneeze. If that droplet ends up on a door knob and you touch that, then scratch your nose....yes, there's a good chance you'll be the next one to get the flu. Wash your hands a LOT, and use the antibacterial gels.

The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta confirms there have been flu cases in several Ealst Texas counties, including in alphabetical order: Gregg, Henderson, Nacogdoches, Rusk, Smith, Upshur and Wood counties. Texas is in Region 6 if you look at this link. The worst flu outbreak in the country is in an area including Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio, but Texas is showing an elevated number of cases too.

Flu season runs through May in Texas, with the worst of it in December, January, and February. It's not too late for a flu shot. They're still available at most doctor's offices and pharmacies. The pediatric flu shots may be a little harder to find, but the others for older kids and adults are still widely available.