Seen at 7: Concerns over RSV, Covid, and Flu
RSV is highly contagious and can spread like a wildfire through local communities; in some cases, forcing early learning centers to shut their doors. RSV usually circulates from late December to mid-February. But this year, an early spike in cases is resulting in markedly higher numbers of infections and hospitalizations. More importantly, RSV infections among young children and now older adults are filling many U.S. hospitals to capacity.
Will there be a definitive conclusion to this pandemic? Hereโs how the Spanish flu ended
Here are some key highlights of how the Spanish flu ultimately ended, and how it might correlate to the COVID-19 pandemic. History says the Spanish flu lasted from February 1918 until April 1920, but there wasnโt a definitive statement that the pandemic was over, according to Time. Of course, by then, the Spanish flu did unspeakable damage, infecting 500 million people and killing 50 million. With technology and research being nowhere close to what it is now, there was no waiting around for a vaccine to help quell the Spanish flu. That might have been the case with the Spanish flu, as peopleโs tolerance to the disease and willingness to social distance, wash hands and wear masks throughout increased.
Worried about COVID-19, the flu or both? Our health experts are here to answer your questions
The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. HOUSTON โ This ๏ฌu season brings with it a whole new set of challenges as we continue to also fight the spread of COVID-19. But we can all do our part to keep Houston healthy and safe, and it starts with getting a ๏ฌu shot. So we want to help you get the answers you need to know about the flu and COVID-19โplease enter your question below and your questions could get answered on Houston Life.
Here are the cheapest places to get a flu shot when you donโt have insurance
The CDC recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. We checked the price for the flu vaccine at more than 10 pharmacies and medical clinics to find the least expensive options for you. Remember, if you have insurance, your flu shot is free. Here is a list of participating locations:UT Physicians Multispecialty - The Heights925 N. ShepherdHouston, TX 77008UT Physicians Family Practice - Bayshore11452 Space Center Blvd. Houston, TX 77059UT Physicians Family Practice - Bellaire5420 Dashwood, Suite 100Houston, TX 77081UT Physicians Multispecialty - Bellaire6700 W. Loop South, Suite 520Bellaire, TX 77401UT Physicians Multispecialty - Cinco Ranch23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd.
How can I tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19?
(AP) โ How can I tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19? Another difference: COVID-19 is more likely than the flu to cause a loss of taste or smell. Both the flu and coronavirus spread through droplets from the nose and mouth. These โsuperspreader eventsโ are more common with COVID-19 than flu, Solomon said. Preventing the flu starts with an annual flu shot tailored to the strains of the flu virus that are circulating.
Health experts urge Americans to get flu shot now to help curb Twindemic
HOUSTON National health experts are worried about what they call a twindemic this season. Health experts said they are concerned that flu season and COVID-19 pandemic could collide this year. Infectious Disease Specialist William Schaffner, MD, recommends getting the vaccine between mid-September and early November. Doctors added that even if you do get sick despite getting the vaccine it will be less severe. Experts say that this years flu vaccine will protect against four strains of the flu instead of three as in previous years.
Some Houston hospitals see decrease in ER visits amid COVID-19 crisis
Across the Texas Medical Center, 18% of all ICU beds are being used by COVID-19 patients and 43% from non-COVID-19 patients. While they are still waiting to see a possible surge in cases, Houston Methodist Hospital said they're down 75% in the emergency room department. โHospitals are very well equipped in separating patients with suspected COVID versus the other emergencies that we have dealt with,โ Zoghbi said. Even the CDC is reporting flu data comparisons from 2019 to 2020 should be interpreted with caution because they say people staying home during this pandemic are prohibiting them from keeping an accurate count of flu cases. On the other hand, Shane Magee, MD, from Kelsey-Seybold Clinic said flu cases are simply down this year.
Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated ISD to be closed Friday after spike in flu cases, district officials say
COLDSPRING, Texas โ Classes are cancelled Friday in Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated ISD after a big spike in flu cases, the districtโs Facebook page said. The district said it's had "excessive absences" related to the flu. The district will be closed this Friday, Feb. 14, because of excessive absences due to the flu. Beginning tomorrow... Posted by Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District on Wednesday, February 12, 2020All after-school activities through Monday, Feb. 17, will be rescheduled or cancelled, the districtโs Facebook said. The districtโs Facebook page said classes will resume next Tuesday.
Harris County infant dies from flu
HOUSTON โ An infant in Harris County has died from the flu. Harris County Public Health officials said Monday the babyโs death is the first death of a child in the county this flu season, which started in October. โThis is a somber reminder of the danger flu poses to our residents, especially those who are more vulnerable to develop serious flu complications,โ said Dr. Umair A. Shah, executive director of Harris County Public Health. โWe urge residents to get a flu shot and protect themselves and their loved ones.โSymptoms of the flu include fever, chills, coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, aches and fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 children across the country have died from the flu so far this season.