CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Many are looking forward to enjoying family holiday gatherings in the days ahead, but the flu is spreading in the Coastal Bend.
In just one week, there has been a little over a 40% increase in the number of flu cases in Nueces County. With those cases on the rise, Corpus Christi – Nueces County Public Health District Director Fauzia Khan said that there are some things residents should keep in mind this holiday season.
"There are people that may not be feeling well that may not go to emergency rooms or they may not report. Our numbers, what we share with he public is the reported cases," she said.
Data from the health department said that around this time last year, there were 272 flu cases reported in Nueces County. The year before that, there were only 63.
"Every year, flu season is different and we see lots of patients," Khan said. "And also every year, we see a large number of people dying from flu as well. What happens in winter seasons; the virus is more stable. If you see during winter seasons people are crowded indoors, and that is why the spread is much more."
If you later learn that someone you were around at a holiday gathering has the flu, Khan said there are a few things you should keep in mind.
"They need to monitor their symptoms. They need to stay indoors," Khan said. "They should limit exposure to other people. Other people can take precautions like they can clean frequently touched spaces. They can increase indoor ventilation."
Among the precautions, Khan said the best way to prevent getting the flu is by receiving your annual flu shot. For those who are uninsured, Kahn said the health department is there to help.
"Individuals who do not have insurance can walk into the health department and get their flu shot," Kahn said.
Come January, Kahn said that the public health district will be working employers and homeless shelters to offer flu vaccines at no cost to those who don't carry insurance.
Until then, you can also walk in to the health district's man building on Horne Street and get your flu shot.
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