AUSTIN, Texas — Flu cases in Travis County have increased 100% each week for the past two weeks, according to Austin Travis County EMS (ATCEMS).
“This is going to be a very severe flu year. All the data we're seeing from across the world is [this] has the potential to be the worst on record,” said ATCEMS Cmdr. Michael Wright.
Wright said 911 calls, clinic, emergency room, urgent care and private doctor visits are all spiking.
“This is a very critical time for people. It's not too late to get the flu shot. As a matter of fact, the peak flu season does not actually occur until January and February, so people need to go get immunized just as soon as they can,” Wright said.
In addition to immunizations, EMS officials suggest the following:
- Wash your hands regularly and keep them away from your face
- Cough or sneeze into the crook of your elbow
- Seek medical care within 48 hours of experiencing symptoms
- Don’t go outside, to school or work, or in public if you have symptoms
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EMS is working with Austin Public Health to combat the problem in the Austin area.
Wright said the public health department can increase the number of immunizations available based on the data that’s available about cases.
In the 2017-18 flu year, Wright said more than 79,000 people died from the flu in the United States. He said the current data indicates that number could be outpaced this year.
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