Flu season is ramping up in Texas with 5,585 cases statewide, according to the most recent
report from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services released Dec. 30.
The 2017-18 flu season began Oct. 1. From the season start to Dec. 30, 36,113 people in Texas have been tested with approximately 15.5 percent testing positive for the flu.
The flu situation in Texas was upgraded to “widespread” status in mid-December. That means influenza-like illness outbreaks have been seen in at least half of the state’s study regions, and influenza itself has been confirmed in the state by lab testing.
High influenza activity was reported in Denton and Collin counties from Dec. 24-30. That week a total of 217 positive influenza tests and 24 hospitalizations were reported by
Denton County providers. An updated report on influenza activity will be released next Friday.
In Collin County, 577 positive influenza tests and 1,960 “influenza-like illnesses” were
reported by health care providers from Dec. 24-30. The number of patient visits in Collin County to health care facilities due to influenza-like illnesses increased from 6.5 percent to 8.5 percent during this time.
In Tarrant County, a total of 1,130 positive influenza tests were reported from Dec. 17-23.
Medical City Frisco shared a post on Facebook helping patients determine if their symptoms are that of the common cold, flu or stomach flu.
Medical City Lewisville has also been sending out helpful tips to help prevent the spreading of germs.
