HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) — After the CDC updated its guidance regarding kids and the flu shot, local infectious disease experts urge parents to talk to their doctors, especially as flu cases surge.
New numbers released Monday from the CDC show flu cases are surging across the country and right here in Texas. Health experts said the numbers aren’t as bad as they were when the swine flu hit almost 20 years ago.
However, right now the number of cases is rising, and experts said it may continue to get worse. New CDC data released shows 11 million people have gotten the illness this season as of the Dec. 27 update.
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That’s up by three and a half million from the week before. Hospitalizations have also climbed to 120,000 people, up nearly 40,000 from the week before.
As far as death, CDC data shows that 5,000 have died this flu season, which is nearly 2,000 more than the week prior.
Texas data shows more than 40% of lab tests are coming back positive, and the CDC said Texas’ flu situation is very high.
On Monday, the CDC updated guidance regarding vaccines for kids. One of the vaccines that is no longer recommended for kids is the flu shot.
We asked Memorial Hermann infectious disease specialist Dr. Linda Yancey about that.
“There’s a lot political going on right now going on with vaccines,” Yancey explained. “I would urge people to follow the science, not the politics. The American Academy of Pediatrics has their own vaccine schedule that is based on 250 years of vaccine science. It is based on the last, most recent, up-to-date, high-quality data. That is an excellent resource. So is your pediatrician.”
As far as schools, ABC13 asked districts how they’re handling the flu surge, with classes about to restart from winter break. Cy-Fair ISD says it’ll update parents on its website regarding precautions.
HISD and Pearland ISD said they didn’t do anything additional this winter break, but says its high traffic areas have been cleaned before students return.
Flu season runs for another few months. Health experts said the good news is we may be nearing the peak.
However, with recent holiday gatherings, numbers may still get worse. There’s still time, they say, to get the flu shot; just keep in mind it takes a couple of weeks to get full protection.
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Niko Travis is a dedicated health writer with a passion for providing clear, reliable, and research-backed information about medications and mental health. As the author behind TrazodoneSUC, Niko simplifies complex medical topics to help readers understand the benefits, uses, and potential risks of Trazodone. With a commitment to accuracy and well-being, Niko ensures that every article empowers readers to make informed decisions about their health.
