Weekly influenza surveillance reports by both counties’ public health authorities in November show an increase in those testing positive for the flu.
In each county’s most recent reports, Denton County saw 173 positive flu tests as of Nov. 23—a nearly 134% increase in positive tests between Nov. 9 and 23. Collin County was at 70 positive tests as of Nov. 16—a nearly 60% increase between Nov. 3 and 16.
Flu B has been responsible for a higher number of cases as compared to Flu A in both counties, according to both county’s weekly reports.
As of Nov. 23, flu activity is also higher in Texas than it was the week before, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services weekly report.
The flu in Texas is now considered to be widespread, as laboratory-confirmed flu is present in at least half the regions of the state, according to the state’s report. Flu in Texas was considered regional the previous week of reports, meaning confirmed flu was in less than half the regions of the state.
Some are at high risk for serious flu complications, according to the Collin County healthcare services website, including:
- adults over 65 years old;
- children between six and 23 months;
- pregnant women;
- residents in nursing homes or long-term care facilities;
- healthcare workers involved in direct patient care; and
- persons living with or caring for children less than six months old.
