Flu cases are rising in Texas. Watch out for these symptoms

AUSTIN (KXAN) — Health officials urge Texans to take precaution as flu cases ramp up across the state.

Recent data from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) show an uptick in flu-related hospitalizations this season. Weekly emergency department visits have also increased by over 4,000 this month, reaching a high of 9,993 in mid-December.

Austin-based physician assistant Jordan Jones with Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care said she is seeing a large rise of the influenza A virus in the Texas area.

“We’re seeing quite a few patients that are coming in who either have known exposures or positive home tests, which are really great things to have on hand in this season,” Jones noted.

Compared to the rest of the country, Jones said Texas is seeing a moderate level of influenza, however public health officials expect cases to intensify through Christmas and New Years.

“We’re probably going to see a nice rise after the holidays, but we really can’t prepare for exactly when the actual peak will be,” Jones said.

It’s not just flu cases that are expected to spike after the holidays. Jones said Texans should be prepared for cases of other respiratory illnesses like RSV and Covid-19 to climb.

“We really want you to be careful if you are spending time with your family,” Jones said. “If you’re having any symptoms, let other people know so that they can choose: do we want to still plan the holidays together or not?”

What should you look out for?

When it comes to signs and symptoms of the most common flu strain right now, influenza A, Jones described it as feeling like “you got hit by a freight train.”

“That’s what I always tell patients is that all of a sudden you’re down for the count,” she explained.

Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Body aches
• Sore throat
• Runny nose
• Congestion

As for prevention, Jones recommends getting the flu shot, handwashing, and carrying antibacterial hand sanitizer if you plan to travel.

“It’s hard for your immune system to fight a virus if you are exposed to something. Allowing yourself rest and stress reduction is also going to help you stay healthy,” Jones said.

Jones recommends seeing a health professional within the first 48 hours of experiencing symptoms to be prescribed Tamiflu, an antiviral medication to treat influenza A.