HOUSTON — This past week we’ve heard tragic cases of children dying from the flu. An 8 year-old boy from Rockport, Texas died from the illness, and so did 4-grade girl in Ohio.
“We’ve definitely been seeing a steady increase in flu cases, week after week,” says Dr. Michael Chang, with Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital at UT Health.
Dr. Chang says the strain currently seen across Texas, is the H1N1. He says the vaccine this year is a good match for it, but that there’s no predicting who might have extreme symptoms.
We’re heading into the peak of the annual flu season. Dr. Chang says there’s still time to protect yourself.
“There are people who get the flu in late March, late April, so it’s not too late in the season to get the flu shot.” he said.
Health experts say one of the best ways to avoid getting the virus, is by practicing “hand-hygiene.”
David Stone, the Chairman of the “World’s Championship Barbecue Contest” at NRG Park, says the event is helping people do that.
“We’ve got hand sanitizer stations at every public area. Everywhere you go, you’re gonna see hand sanitizers.” he said.
Stone tells us he wants to make sure the huge crowds this weekend can focus on the good food and rides, and not getting sick.
“We’re open 31 hours total to the public. Our typical attendance, we usually get between 225 and 250,000 people,” says Stone.
State Health officials say last week, 13 flu-related outbreaks were reported.
The influenza virus can be fatal if it leads to serious breathing problems, and severe dehydration. Complications including bacterial infections can be especially dangerous.
Dr. Chang says you should consider the vaccine even if you’ve already been ill.
“Even if you think you’ve had 1 case of the flu, this year already, it doesn’t protect you from having another case from other strains, so even if you think you’ve already had the flu, this year, it doesn’t mean you shouldn’t get a flu shot.” he said.
He says if you do have symptoms of the flu, take them seriously and practice cough etiquette. You should cough into your sleeve, and try to avoid touching surfaces that could get contaminated.
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