Flu season is in full swing in the Austin area, with high levels of flu reported at Texas emergency departments. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), flu cases have increased by 55.36% since the third week of January compared to the previous week.
Travis County has seen a sharp increase in flu-related medical visits, with 9.9% of emergency room visits attributed to the flu in Central Texas. The majority of flu tests are positive for Flu A, which is more common and prevalent in adults.
Unfortunately, two adults have died from the disease so far this season. There have also been three outbreaks reported in schools and long-term care facilities since cases started appearing around Thanksgiving.
In addition to flu, COVID-19 levels are also increasing, although only slightly. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases are decreasing.
Symptoms of flu typically include:
* Sore throat
* Runny or stuffy nose
* Fever
* Cough
* Chest congestion
* Headache
* Muscle aches
* Feeling very tired
* Sweating and chills
To prevent the flu, get vaccinated with a flu shot, which is available for anyone 6 months old and above. Practicing good hygiene such as washing hands often and wearing masks in crowded spaces can also help.
Meanwhile, bird flu has been detected in Texas, particularly in herds of dairy cows. However, no human-to-human cases have been reported, and the risk to humans is relatively low. Austin Public Health recommends taking precautions such as not touching sick or dead animals, avoiding uncooked food products, and wearing gloves when processing meat.
Source: https://eu.statesman.com/story/news/healthcare/2025/02/04/flu-symptoms-shot-2025-austin-texas-travis-county-flu-cases-deaths/78186303007