North Texas is experiencing a surge of flu cases, with the region’s positivity rate surpassing the national average. According to data from the Texas Department of State Health Services, the 34% positivity rate statewide has jumped to 12.9%. This spike has led to increased hospitalizations and school closures in the area.
Hospitals and emergency rooms in North Texas are seeing a significant increase in patients with flu-like symptoms, including a Fort Worth children’s hospital that reported nearly 700 patients in its emergency department within a 24-hour span. Schools have also taken action, closing at least three districts due to high absentee rates caused by the flu.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports a national positivity rate of 25%, but North Texas is experiencing a significantly higher rate. Children’s Health in Dallas reported an 83% spike in flu cases last week, while Medical City Healthcare saw a 10% increase.
Symptoms of the flu include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle or body aches. Severe symptoms can last one to three days, while other symptoms may persist for one to two weeks. People with the flu are generally contagious for three to seven days after symptom onset, but children and those with weakened immune systems may remain contagious for several weeks.
Those who want to get tested for influenza can do so at hospitals or doctor’s offices, or purchase over-the-counter tests online from retailers such as Walmart, Walgreens, and Amazon.
Source: https://eu.statesman.com/story/news/state/2025/01/29/texas-flu-outbreak-2025-influenza-symptoms-test-over-the-counter-school-closures-how-long-contagious/78022512007