Flu hospitalizations rise across Texas as holidays near

Texas health officials warn of rising flu hospitalizations and emergency visits as influenza A spreads statewide, with cases expected to increase after the holidays.

Flu cases are rising across Texas, prompting health officials to urge residents to take precautions as hospitalizations and emergency department visits increase and medical providers warn the worst of the season may still be ahead.

Recent data from the Texas Department of Health and Human Services show an uptick in flu-related hospitalizations this season, along with a sharp increase in emergency department visits. State figures indicate weekly flu-related emergency room visits have climbed by more than 4,000 this month, reaching nearly 10,000 in mid-December.

Medical providers say influenza A is driving much of the current surge. Jordan Jones, a physician assistant with Baylor Scott & White Urgent Care in Austin, said clinics are seeing a significant rise in cases across the state.

“We’re seeing quite a few patients who are coming in who either have known exposures or positive home tests,” Jones said, noting that at-home flu tests can be helpful for early detection.

While Texas is currently experiencing a moderate level of influenza compared with other parts of the country, Jones said public health officials expect infections to increase as families gather for Christmas and New Year’s celebrations.

“We’re probably going to see a nice rise after the holidays,” she said. “But we really can’t prepare for exactly when the actual peak will be.”

Health experts caution that influenza is not the only concern. Jones said cases of other respiratory illnesses, including RSV and COVID-19, are also expected to climb in the weeks following the holidays as travel and indoor gatherings increase.

“We really want you to be careful if you are spending time with your family,” Jones said. “If you’re having any symptoms, let other people know so that they can choose: do we want to plan the holidays still together or not?”

Jones described the most common flu strain circulating this season, influenza A, as having a sudden and intense onset. Patients often report severe fatigue and body aches that come on quickly.

"I always advise patients to expect a sudden and intense onset of symptoms," she stated.

Common symptoms include fever, body aches, sore throat, runny nose, and congestion.

To reduce the risk of infection, health officials recommend getting the annual flu shot, washing hands frequently, and carrying hand sanitizer, particularly when traveling. Jones also emphasized the importance of rest and stress management to support the immune system.

“It’s hard for your immune system to fight a virus if you are exposed to something,” she said.

Jones recommends seeking medical care within the first 48 hours of symptom onset, when antiviral medications such as Tamiflu are most effective in treating influenza A.

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