Flu Cases Remain Consistent in Tom Green County

SAN ANGELO, TX- The flu has been consistent in the last couple of months for Tom Green County, according to data from Shannon Medical Center and Texas Department of Health Services (TDHS).

Shannon provided data from Jan. to Feb. of 2017 showing 320 recorded cases between type A and type B of the flu. Also, from Feb. 12 to Feb. 18, there were 69 reported cases of flu in Tom Green County.

Compared to data from the (TDHS), it shows that the flu (influenza) slightly decreased during the week of Feb. 12 to Feb. 18 for the entire state. 

The report noted, “Compared to the previous week, the percentage of specimens testing positive for influenza reported by hospital and public health laboratories and patient visits due to influenza-like illness (ILI) slightly decreased.”

TDHS did note it is too early in the flu season to determine the “peak” of these cases.

Click here to see the full report from the TDHS.

Flu Reports in Schools

Melissa Schumpert, the Health Services Coordinator for San Angelo ISD, said there have been flu reports at most campuses and all grades ranging from approximately 3-7 cases per campus.

She noted this is typical during the flu season; however, many people feel the illness has had a strong impact on their families, especially kids.

Additionally, the TDHS reported one school closure due to ILI and eight outbreaks of influenza or influenza-like illness.

Combat the Flu

John Canion, Nurse Practitioner at Community Urgent Care, gave his advice to help citizens of Tom Green County during the flu season.

He recommended that everyone get vaccinated with a flu shot, and, if a person does contract the flu, to remain hydrated and keep to bed rest for at least 24 hours.

“After someone stops having the fever after 24 hours, they're normally pretty good for the contagious part,” Canion said.   

He also said to make sure that everyone washes their hands and to avoid coughing in the vicinity of other people.

Overall, the flu has been affecting all populations from young children to older citizens.

“There's nobody who is immune to it,” Canion said. “It hasn’t missed any populations.”  

The flu season typically ends around late March, early April. Canion noted it usually picks up again in October, but not nearly as quickly as the current time period.

Taking Tylenol, Motrin, and drinking fluids is the best way to beat the flu as well.

“It just takes time,” he added.  

If someone is not sure that they have contracted influenza, Canion recommended setting up an appointment with a family physician. 

He said there have been some cases that have a variation of influenza and strep throat; however, these cases aren’t very common.