Baylor Scott & White Waco(Baylor Scott & White Waco)
WACO, Texas (KWTX) – The holidays bring loved ones together — but those gatherings can also bring unwanted illnesses.
Doctors in Central Texas are reporting a recent up tick in influenza cases, and are urging caution as we head into the new year.
“Over the last week, just nationwide we’ve had a 14% increase in hospitalizations from flu, just flu by itself,” Dr. Van Wehmeyer, Family Physician at Baylor Scott & White.
Health officials are tracking a new strain this season — flu A (H1N1) across Central Texas — which is producing symptoms similar to other strains but with some notable additions.
“Just the typical symptoms of the fever which can be high 103° or 104° in some people, most people it’s a low grade fever; sore throat, runny nose, but then also there’s this whole throwing up and diarrhea that comes with flu A as well that we’re seeing in a certain amount of people,” Dr. Wehmeyer said.
Flu vaccines remain the best defense – however the shot isn’t a perfect match for the new strain.
“If you’re 65 and older that vaccine can decrease serious illness. The serious illness is unfortunately death or hospitalization by greater than 60 to 70% if you’re 65 and older. If you’re two years old and under 17 can decrease serious illness by 50%.”
Washing your hands and wearing a mask can also help reduce the spread of illness.
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