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HOUSTON – Public health officials said the flu had hit Texas last year with more than 10,000 deaths linked to the flu.
The flu in Texas usually peaks between December and February, according to the Texas Department of Health Services. But officials say it's the best time to get vaccinated before the disease spreads.
In North Texas, doctors say the flu season this year seems to be coming sooner than usual. CBS DFW reports that it is too early to say that this season will be longer than usual.
Preeti Sharma, pediatric pulmonologist at Children's Health, says her hospital already sees a stuck child every other day.
"Get this shot," says Dr. Sharma. "I encourage all my patients to be vaccinated against the flu. I vaccinate my own children. I harass the rest of my family to get vaccinated, "adding that the vaccine is the best way to avoid the complications of the flu.
"DSHS urges all children six months and older to be vaccinated against the flu," notes the state website. "This is especially important for pregnant women, young children, the elderly and people with chronic health conditions, as people in these groups are at greater risk of serious complications from influenza. The flu vaccine is available now and the DSHS encourages people not to wait to protect themselves and their families by getting vaccinated as soon as possible.
The state says October 1 is #TexasFluDay this year – a day to raise public awareness of the flu and encourage Texans to get vaccinated.
On the web: http://TexasFlu.org
© 2018 KHOU
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