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Texas and the Nation are experiencing one of the most robust flu seasons seen in recent years, while Coryell Memorial Healthcare System (CMHS) is diagnosing and treating record numbers of influenza patients.  

Coryell County is experiencing one of the most robust flu seasons seen in recent years.  There are three influenza strains currently circulating (Flu A H1, Flu A H3 and Flu B).  The dominant strain is Influenza A H3N2, which tends to cause the most severe infections. 1

According to Texas Health and Human Services (THHS) positive hospital labs for influenza are up 9.6% from previous week. “Coryell Memorial Healthcare System is experiencing similar test results, which is a very high percentage of patients testing positive for influenza,” said Ron Pundt, CMHS Laboratory Director. 

Coryell Memorial Hospital, ER, Coryell Medical Clinic and Mills County Medical Clinic testing in the month of December resulted in 395 total positive flu tests and January has already shown 450 positive results.

It is not looking like we have reached the peak of our influenza season, as it usually spikes between December and February, although activity can last as late as May,” said Pundt.  

Coryell Memorial Hospital and ER Flu January 1st -29th 

Influenza A - 118

Influenza B-  44

Coryell Medical Clinic Flu January 1st -29th 

Influenza A-  201

Influenza B-  87

Hospital admissions that tested positive for the flu 1/1-1/31

Influenza A-  20

nfluenza B-  4

Is it too late to get the flu shot?

The FDA is encouraging everyone who has not gotten the flu shot to get one as soon as possible.

Although influenza viruses circulate year-round, flu activity peaks between December and February most years, but activity can last as late as May in the U.S. 2

What does the flu shot protect against?

There are many flu viruses and they are constantly changing. The composition of U.S. flu vaccines is reviewed annually and updated to match circulating flu viruses. Flu vaccines protect against the three or four viruses that research suggests will be most common. If you haven't gotten a flu shot yet, the CDC recommends you get one right away. 3

“Influenza strain A does not appear to be covered well by this year’s influenza vaccine however even if you've gotten the flu, despite having the vaccine, you’re likely to have a less severe case. You're less likely to have complications like pneumonia and having to be hospitalized,” said Dr. Jeff Bates, Coryell Memorial Hospital Chief Medical Officer.

Who is at risk?

As flu related deaths rise, parents need to be on high alert. The Centers for Disease Control reports 30 children have died from influenza since October, and the number of states hit with high flu-like illness is now up to 32.  Older adults and people with certain chronic health conditions, such as asthma, heart disease or diabetes can also be vulnerable to the flu virus. Any flu infection can carry a risk of serious complications, hospitalization or death, even among otherwise healthy children and adults. 4

Misconception- Will a flu shot cause me to get the flu?

“Many of my patients have heard this common myth, but I always inform them the flu shot cannot cause flu illness. The most common side effects we see from the flu shot are soreness, redness, tenderness or swelling where the shot was given. Getting vaccinated is a safer choice than risking illness and many studies show the flu vaccination also may make your illness milder if you do get sick. We have seen that anecdotal evidence,” said Dr. Diedra Wuenschel, Coryell Medical Clinic Medical Director.

Where can I get my flu shot?

“Coryell Medical Clinic is providing same day service, routinely seeing over 200 patients in a day.  We have had multiple days of over 100 same day appointments.  Adults and children six months and older are eligible for the influenza vaccine and can walk-in any time between 8:00 am – 4:30 pm. If you have symptoms of flu and are in a high risk group, or are very sick or worried about your illness, call us (254) 865-2166,” Jeffrey Mincy, Coryell Medical Clinic Administrator.

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