As the typical peak of the Texas flu season approaches, the Texas Department of State Health Services reminds people to get vaccinated against the flu.
“This has been a fairly mild flu season so far, but that can change quickly,” said Dr. David Lakey, DSHS commissioner. “We usually see a significant increase in influenza in Texas in January and February, so this is the time to protect yourself.”
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends everyone at least 6 months old be vaccinated against seasonal flu. Getting an annual flu vaccine is the best way to prevent flu from spreading. People should also remember to cover all coughs and sneezes, wash their hands frequently with soap and water or hand sanitizer and stay home if they are sick.
Flu symptoms include fever, coughing, sore throat, aches, chills and fatigue. Most healthy people recover fully, but people 65 and over, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic health conditions are at higher risk for serious complications and even death. It is especially important for people in those high-risk groups to be vaccinated.
To find out where to get a flu shot, people should contact their health care provider, local health department or dial 2-1-1. Flu information and tips for protecting against the flu are at texasflu.org.
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