BROWNSVILLE, Texas (February 9, 2018) – On February 9, 2018, the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) released the 2017-2018 Texas Influenza Surveillance Activity Report.
According to the report, “Influenza activity remains high across the state of Texas.”
The 2017-2018 Texas Influenza Surveillance Activity Report follows a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advisory released on December 27, 2017, notifying the public and medical providers about a spike in flu cases.
“Flu season is not over,” said Public Health & Wellness Director Arturo Rodriguez. “All residents are urged to make every effort to prevent the spread of the flu. With continued flu activity through the next few months, preventative measures are key. Staying away from others who are sick, or when you are sick, are simple, yet effective steps.”
The City of Brownsville encourages citizens to continue taking the following preventative measures against the flu and spread of the flu:
- Get yourself and your family vaccinated. It’s not too late to get the flu shot.
- Take every day, preventive actions to help stop the spread of flu. Cover coughs and sneezes, dispose of used tissues, keep communal surfaces clean, wash your hands, and to the greatest extent possible, stay away from people who are ill or when you feel sick.
- Take antiviral drugs, if prescribed by your doctor. For vulnerable populations, the CDC recommends: Early use of antiviral medications for treatment of flu is most effective when used within 48 hours of symptom onset; and antibiotics are not effective against the flu. Inappropriate use of antibiotics can lead to antibiotic resistance and may expose patients to side effects.
For more information about the flu, including updates and recommendations, visit: https://www.cdc.gov/flu/.
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