Health experts have declared that the Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) area is currently experiencing its most severe flu season in years.
Dallas Children’s Medical Center informed NBC 5 that they treated the highest number of flu patients since 2022 during the final week of January.
Dr. Bryan Lowery, a primary care physician and owner of Frisco Concierge Medicine, noted an increase in flu cases at his practice this winter.
Lowery shared that the resurgence of the flu season impacted his family directly last week when one of his sons tested positive for Flu B after being around his high school basketball team.
Recent data from Children’s Medical Center Dallas revealed that during the week starting January 28, the hospital treated 720 flu cases across its system, marking a 20% rise from the previous week and the highest number treated in a week since 2022.
According to Lowery, this increase in flu cases can be attributed to several factors, including a return to more normal flu activity after several years dominated by COVID-19. Additionally, he mentioned that the recent cold and rainy weather in January may have contributed to more people staying indoors and thus facilitating the spread of the flu virus.
Lowery emphasized the importance of seeking treatment within the first 48 hours of flu symptoms and advised families to be vigilant for severe symptoms like high fever and shortness of breath, which could indicate pneumonia.
To prevent further spread, Lowery recommended practicing good hygiene habits such as frequent handwashing, avoiding coughing in the air, and staying home when feeling unwell. He also encouraged individuals who haven’t done so already to get their flu shots as soon as possible, as the flu season is expected to persist through February and March.
