Flu Levels Rise in Tom Green County

The San Angelo-Tom Green County Health Department is urging citizens to get influenza vaccinations and take precautions in the wake of an increase in local flu cases.

Flu vaccines are administered during the Health Department’s weekly immunization clinic on Tuesdays from 8 a.m.-11:30 a.m. and from 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m. in its offices in Suite 9 at 2030 Pulliam St. The clinics are open only to walk-ins (no appointments).

Children seeking the flu vaccine must present updated shot records at the time of the visit; adults must do so only if they are receiving other vaccinations. There are no exceptions to this requirement.

The cost is $22 for the adult vaccine, which the Health Department purchased as private stock and can be administered to anyone older than 18. The cost is the same for children who qualify for Texas Vaccines for Children, although the $22 fee is per visit; that means a child could be administered other immunizations at the same time at no additional cost. For children, TVFC guidelines are: no health insurance for the child or health insurance does not cover vaccines; eligible for Medicaid; or of American Indian or Alaskan Native descent.

The Texas Department of State Health Services recently report the level of flu-like illness is classified as “high” statewide, and medical providers are seeing an increase in flu across the state, including in San Angelo.

Antiviral treatment is recommended for anyone with confirmed or suspected flu who is hospitalized, has severe or progressive illness or is at a higher risk for complications. 

People older than 65, pregnant women, young children and people with chronic health conditions are most at risk for complications, making it especially important for them to be vaccinated. The Health Department recommends everyone 6 months old and older get vaccinated.

Other precautions include:

• Washing hands frequently with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Covering coughs and sneezes and, if done with a tissue, throwing away the tissue.
• Staying home and seeking treatment if sick.
• Avoiding sharing drinks, eating utensils, etc.
• Avoiding touching mouths, eyes or noses.

For more information, go to TexasFlu.org.