SAN ANTONIO, Texas — As flu activity reaches high levels in San Antonio, health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated. The San Antonio Metropolitan Health District and Texas Health and Human Services reported that 17.74% of flu tests were positive during the most recent reporting period, a 104.75% increase from the previous week.
Nationwide, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates at least 7.5 million flu illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths so far this season, including eight child deaths, based on data through Dec. 20. Many cases involve a new variant, known as “subclade K,” a mutated version of the H3N2 influenza strain, which has caused early outbreaks in the United Kingdom, Japan, and Canada.
Experts say it is not too late to get vaccinated, even though the current vaccine is a partial match for subclade K. Preliminary analysis from the U.K. found the vaccine can reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization. According to the CDC, only about 42% of U.S. adults and children have received a flu vaccine so far this season.
The CDC recommends flu vaccination for everyone six months and older, particularly for older adults, young children, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions. Prescription antiviral medications are available for high-risk patients but are most effective when started shortly after symptoms appear. Vaccines are available at doctor’s offices, clinics, and pharmacies, and FluMist nasal spray is an option for ages 2 to 49, including self-administration at home in some cases. For low-cost or free vaccines, residents can call 2-1-1 or visit the state health resource database.