Four adults have died in Dallas County as a result of the flu this season, according to the latest figures from Dallas County Health and Human Services.
The latest two deaths have been reported since mid-December, and no further details were released other than they were Dallas County residents.
Flu was blamed in 58 deaths in Dallas County during the 2013-2014 flu season, including three children.
No influenza-associated pediatric deaths have been reported in Dallas County during the 2014–2015 season.
The busiest place to be in Dallas County these days appears to be an emergency room.
Dr. Cedric Spak deals with infectious diseases at Baylor University Medical Center at Dallas and just wrapped up a shift Friday night.
“They come in with fever, chills, cough,” said Dr. Spak.
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New numbers from county health officials show many doctors are seeing patients with the flu or flu-like symptoms.
More than 4,000 people were tested for flu last week, and of those 28.6 percent tested positive and 128 had to be hospitalized.
Most are getting sick with a strain of influenza Type A, not covered by the vaccine.
“Individuals who consider themselves healthy who resist getting the flu shot are actually
contributing to the success of the flu, leading to people getting sicker,” said Dr. Spak.
Perhaps the silver lining is Dallas County notes there has been a small dip compared to earlier in the month.
“We probably are right at the peak. Sometimes the flu will even fool us and do a second spike,” explained Dr. Spak.
Doctors say it is still better to get the flu shot to give yourself a layer of protection. It could also help in preventing you from getting terribly sick, if you do indeed get the flu.
