"This is the worst flu season I’ve seen in 10 years," Flu virus surging locally – KTXS

"This is the worst flu season I've seen in 10 years," Flu virus surging locally

by Karina Hollingsworth

KTXS/Karina{p}{/p}

ABILENE, Texas

Merkel ISD announced yesterday the school district will be closed today and tomorrow due to an increased number of illnesses. Anson ISD and Benjamin ISD have also announced school closures due to experiencing increased absences due to illnesses.

According to Elaine Thomas the nurse practitioner at My Emergency Room 24/7 the emergency room saw 130 patients on Monday with flu symptoms causing them to run out flu test. In Thomas professional medical opinion this is the worst flu season shes seen in ten years, and she believes the flu shot isnt working.

It is their best guess every year, Thomas said. They try to take the top three strands that they think its going to be. I dont know if we got it right this year.

Thomas believes the same is true for the COVID vaccine.

The same amount of people that are vaccinated are having COVID positives as people who are unvaccinated, Thomas said.

According to the nurse practitioner flu cases increased after the holiday season, and the re-starting of school after winter break.

Part of it is that people are in more combined spaces, Thomas said. More germs are easily spread that way. Also, the seasons have gotten colder. So, weve had a lot of weather issues that creates an environment that flu likes to live in.

With the elderly, children, and people with pre-existing conditions being the most vulnerable to the flu virus Thomas advises everyone to do their part in preventing the spread of the virus.

The number 1 thing we always stress is washing your hands, and to use hand sanitizer in between touching surfaces, Thomas said. Dont sneeze or cough on anyone.

When needed the nurse practitioner advises the emergency room is available to help anyone who is having trouble with flu symptoms.

I want people to come into the ER when they have difficulty breathing, or if they have a cough that triggers bronchospasms, Thomas said.

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"This is the worst flu season I've seen in 10 years," Flu virus surging locally - KTXS