HealthcareCentral Austin

Flu season active in Travis County as cases rise

Explore Central Austin on the Impact Mapstories, offers and more

Katy McAfee

1 min read

Published October 24, 2022 at 7:14 p.m. CT

Flu season active in Travis County as cases rise — The flu positivity rate tripled in the beginning of October, according to Austin Public Health. (Courtesy Adobe Stock)

Influenza is spreading around Travis County at higher levels this season, with the positivity rate at 21.9%. The usual flu positivity rate at this time of year is less than 1%, according to Austin Public Health.

“It's critical that everyone get a flu shot if they haven’t done so already,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, Austin-Travis County Health authority, in a news release. “The numbers we’re seeing are really concerning. Flu shots can help prevent serious illness, and protect friends and family who are at high risk for poor outcomes.”

Everyone over 6 months old is eligible for flu and COVID-19 vaccines in Travis County. Flu shots through Austin Public Health are $25 for adults, $10 for children and free for children with Medicaid. However, flu shots are free with most forms of insurance at many local pharmacies, including Walgreens and CVS.

Further, emergency departments in St. Davids and Ascension Seton announced they are experiencing an influx of children with flu-like symptoms and respiratory illness, and released a joint statement encouraging parents to consider going to urgent care or a nonemergency doctor.

“Having the capacity to safely care for all patients is essential to providing ongoing health care services to our community, and we are asking for the community’s help,” the statement said. "It is important that we reserve our emergency departments for patients with emergent medical conditions. We are encouraging parents to access the most appropriate site of care for their child’s medical needs. If a child has flu-like symptoms, parents should call their doctor or take their child to an urgent care clinic. If they are having trouble breathing or have some other type of related [emergency] condition, they should go to an emergency department."

Flu symptoms include fever, chills, headache, congestion, fatigue, and occasionally diarrhea and vomiting in children, according to APH. Over the counter medications, such as ibuprofen and cough syrup, can relieve symptoms, according to APH.