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Child flu deaths highlight the need for immunization

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“We’re seeing high levels of flu activity across Texas right now,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS Commissioner. “Young children are one of the groups known to be at high risk of hospitalization or death from complications of the flu. Getting your flu shot is one of the best ways to protect them and everyone else in the community.”

Updated Wed. Jan. 8

The Texas Department of State Health Services has confirmed that six children have died in Texas of flu-related causes since the flu season started at the end of September. Health officials recommend that everyone 6 months old and older get vaccinated now to prevent flu and its potentially devastating effects.

The children ranged in age from under one year to 16 years old. They lived in four of Texas’ eight public health regions. Four of the children were not vaccinated for the current season. Health officials are still gathering information on the other deaths.

“We’re seeing high levels of flu activity across Texas right now,” said Dr. John Hellerstedt, DSHS Commissioner. “Young children are one of the groups known to be at high risk of hospitalization or death from complications of the flu. Getting your flu shot is one of the best ways to protect them and everyone else in the community.”

The flu shot is especially important for people with chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children and older adults because they are at higher risk of developing serious complications. Caregivers should get the flu shot to protect themselves and to prevent spreading the flu to the vulnerable people they care for in their families and communities.

Influenza is an illness caused by one of a number of related viruses. Symptoms usually start suddenly and include fever, body aches, chills, a dry cough, sore throat, runny nose, headaches and extreme fatigue and can last a week or longer. It is important to note that not all flu sufferers will have a fever.

People can help stop the spread of illness and reduce their chance of catching the flu by getting vaccinated, washing hands frequently, covering coughs and sneezes and staying home if they’re sick. Additional flu information and tips are at TexasFlu.org.

People can contact their health care provider, local health department, local pharmacy or use the Vaccine Finder at TexasFlu.org to find out where flu shots are available.

-Submitted by the Texas Department of State Health Services

Update, Wed. Jan. 8 from the Hays County Local Health Department: 

Hospitals in Hays County are beginning to see an increase in the number of people visiting the Emergency Room with Flu- like symptoms.

If you think you have the Flu, one of the many Urgent Care facilities and walk-in clinics in Hays County will probably have a shorter wait, and can provide the same tests and treatment. Also, be aware that your health insurance may require a higher co-pay or additional charges for visiting a hospital emergency room if the visit is not deemed a true emergency. Standalone clinics with "emergency" in their names often charge like hospital emergency rooms. Call a clinic before you go to determine how they charge.

Dripping Springs Century-News

P.O. Box 732
Dripping Springs, Texas 78620

Phone: (512) 858-4163
Fax: (512) 847-9054