The latest numbers as flu cases continue to climb across Texas
ABC13 Houston••general
Key Points:
- Texas is among nine states experiencing a high number of flu cases, with Houston seeing a continued increase in influenza A based on wastewater monitoring and healthcare visits.
- Emergency room visits for respiratory illnesses have nearly doubled compared to a month ago, with children aged 5 to 11 accounting for over 25% of these visits, up from 15% last year.
- Flu cases began rising around Thanksgiving and are trending higher than last year, with health experts expecting the numbers to continue increasing into January and February.
- Houston Methodist reported a slight decrease in positive flu A tests during Christmas week compared to the previous week, but cases remain elevated compared to a month ago.
- The Houston Health Department advises those with flu symptoms to stay hydrated
