AUSTIN, Texas — Austin Public Health said it is tracking a rising number of cases of people experiencing "flu-like symptoms.”
Doctors said they're seeing an influx of people dealing with respiratory illnesses, which include COVID-19 and the flu.
Health officials said the percentage of patients doctors are seeing with flu-like illness is approaching the numbers that Travis County saw at the height of the omicron variant of COVID-19. The most common symptoms so far are runny nose, cough, fever, sore throat and body aches.
Medical Director and Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes said there are currently strains of influenza A and B this year. She encourages people to get both their influenza shots and the COVID-19 booster, even if they are already sick.
“If they do have those symptoms, they are general symptoms," Walkes said. "You cannot tell if you have the flu, cold, or allergies, so go and get tested and be treated appropriately. Stay home if you are sick so we can reduce the number of people that become ill."
Walkes said a flu shot takes about two weeks to take effect. According to the CDC, February is a peak month for the flu season, but it can run through as late as May.