CDC reports 1.7 million flu-related illnesses in past two months

AUSTIN, Texas - Flu season is here and staying.

A report released by the CDC Tuesday estimates there have been 1.7 million flu-related illnesses in the past two months. The Austin Travis County Health Authority also released new numbers and they say flu activity in the county and state are substantially higher than the rest of the country.

“That widespread flu activity started in Louisiana, spread to Texas and is now spreading across the southern United States, pretty soon we expect it will travel around to the rest of the country,” Dr. Mark Escott with Austin Public Health said. 

Escott says while flu season normally peaks in January or February, this year it started peaking in October and November.

“We have to remember that just two years ago 2017 season influenza killed 79,000 Americans so we have to do our part in protecting the community from flu,” Escott said.

Last week, CDC Flu tweeted that in the U.S. there have been 1.7 million flu-related illnesses, 800,000 medical visits, 16,000 hospitalizations, and 910 deaths, and that's only in the past eight weeks.

“Right now we're seeing about 30 percent positive which is substantially higher that what we'd normally see right now. Last time we saw flu season this early in Texas was back in 2009," Escott said.

He says the reason isn't completely clear yet but it could be multiple factors like a sudden change in the type of flu virus, and the number of people opting out for a flu shot.

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Escott says in Austin Travis County last week they saw 1250 cases in week 47 of the year. This week there are about 850 positive cases. There have been zero flu related deaths in the county.

Escott says he is concerned because as people gather for the holiday season, it's more likely viruses are going to be shared.

“About 4,000 positive cases this flu season. We anticipate we may see a jump again next week,” Escott said.

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Escott says there's been a plateau in positive flu cases which tell them doctors aren't testing as often because if someone has symptoms during flu season doctors treat them without testing.

Recently Austin Public Health sent out two notifications to medical providers in Travis County reminding them to ask patients about a history of e-cigarettes or vaping since symptoms can cross over. They advise everyone to get the flu shot to be safe and strongly advise those who vape to get it because vaping can put them at a greater risk of complications.

He says his main tips are to get the flu shot, cough or sneeze in the fold of your arm so germs aren't spreading in the air or your hands, and if you want to be treated, a doctor should see you within 48 hours for the treatment to be fully effective.