The cold and flu season is on the rise across various states in the US, including Texas. You never know when your cough or chest pain with the flu will become dreadful. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports staggering numbers: the flu causes between 9.3 million to 41 million illnesses and 6,300 to 52,000 deaths annually in the US (2010-2024).1
While many flu cases resolve on their own, the presence of other viruses like RSV, COVID-19, and norovirus can complicate diagnosis and treatment. At ER Dallas, we help you identify when flu symptoms require emergency care. Let us walk you through the key warning signs and explain how to handle the flu season in Dallas with confidence.
Is Flu A Normal Or Serious Condition?
The flu, or influenza, is a contagious illness that affects your nose, throat, and occasionally the lungs. Most of the time, the illness isn’t too bad, and you can treat the flu with rest and medicine you can get at the store. However, some cases can become severe, leading to hospitalization or even death. Flu season in Dallas comes with the following complications:
- Sinus
- Ear infections
- Pneumonia
- Sepsis
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- Congestive heart failure
When Is Flu Season?
Flu season typically snaps from fall to early spring, with the peak months being December through February. The colder months are a hotbed for viruses. Plus, it’s the holiday season that comes with indoor gatherings and the spread of influenza virus becomes easier.
If you’re curious, ‘When is flu season in Texas?,’ the answer follows the same “Dec-Feb” timeline.
When Is Flu Season Over in Texas?
In Texas, the flu is around all year, but it usually slows down by May. Factors like chronic illnesses, weather, and vaccination rates affect this timeline. Even after the peak season ends, sporadic cases can still show up. It’s always smart to stay alert and follow the tips below to avoid severe flu.
5 Signs To Visit the ER When There is Flu Season in Dallas
Most of us know the daily flu symptoms: fever, chills, cough, body aches, and feeling tired. Healthy adults can usually handle these at home with rest, fluids, and OTC medicines. But if someone at higher risk gets these symptoms, or even a healthy person has the warning signs below, it’s time to go to the emergency room Dallas.
1. Breathing Problems
Flu may cause the inflammation of air passages and lungs and lead to breathing problems. If you’re struggling to breathe or feel like you’re gasping for air, it’s an emergency.
2. High Fever That Won’t Budge
For adults, a fever over 104°F is alarming. For kids, anything over 100.4°F (especially for babies under 3 months) requires emergency fever treatment.
3. Severe Dehydration
Severe dehydration is a serious complication of the flu that can lead to organ failure and death if left untreated. Symptoms of dehydration include dry skin, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, sunken eyes, dark urine, muscle cramps, and headache.
4. You Belongs to High-Risk Group
Certain groups are at higher risk for serious flu-related complications, including:
- Adults aged 65 and older
- Children under five are especially at risk for pneumonia, dehydration, and worsening of chronic conditions
- People with a weakened immune system
- Pregnant people can experience pregnancy loss and neural tube defects in the developing fetus
- People with chronic diseases like asthma, diabetes, heart problems, or lung disease
5. Severe Chest Pain
The flu can cause heart or lung inflammation due to the body’s inflammatory response to the flu virus. This inflammation causes chest pain or pressure and may lead to a heart attack.
How ER Dallas Helps During the Flu Season in Dallas?
Here’s what you can expect when you visit our emergency room in Dallas:
Rapid Influenza Diagnostic Test (RIDT)
We’ll evaluate your symptoms through a physical exam. If needed, we perform rapid flu tests. Rapid flu test or influenza antigen test analyzes a sample of fluid from the nose for the presence of a specific flu virus, or antigen. The test results are available within 10 to 15 minutes.
COVID-19 Test
If there’s a chance of co-infection with COVID-19 or other viruses like RSV, we also test for those in the same visit.
Respiratory Support
We give breathing treatments or oxygen therapy for complications like shortness of breath or chest tightness.
Monitoring Chronic Conditions
Flu can worsen asthma, diabetes, or heart disease. We keep a close eye on those at higher risk and also give heart attack treatment.
Antiviral Medications
Antiviral medications like Tamiflu can reduce the severity and duration of symptoms but are most effective when taken within the first 48 hours of symptom onset. Antiviral drugs like Zanamivir are inhaled and peramivir is given intravenously.
Note: Always consult your doctor before taking any medications.
Flu Season in Dallas: How to Prevent Flu
Flu is highly contagious, yet you can lower your risk of catching or spreading it by taking the following steps:
- Get vaccinated: The flu vaccine is your best defense. The CDC recommends everyone to get a yearly flu vaccine to lower the risk of influenza and its potential complications.
- Wash hands often: Use soap and water to clean your hands regularly, or use hand sanitizer.
- Cover mouth and nose: The flu viruses commonly spread through droplets released into the air when infected individuals cough, sneeze, or talk. So, use a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing to prevent spreading germs.
- Stay home when sick: If you’re not feeling well, don’t push through it. Rest up and avoid spreading germs to coworkers, classmates, or anyone else.
- Avoid close contact: If someone around you is sick, try to keep your distance and wear a mask to minimize exposure.
- Eat healthy: A strong immune system starts with good food and plenty of rest.
- Stay hydrated: Drinking fluids helps your body circulate blood, which helps your immune system fight off viruses.
Navigate the Flu Season in Dallas with Confidence
Don’t let the flu season catch you off guard. Know the warning signs, understand your risk factors, and have an action plan ready. At ER of Dallas, our strep throat, mono, and flu tests deliver fast results without delays. Whether it’s influenza or COVID-19, our facility stands ready to handle severe respiratory complications, day and night.
FAQs
1. Why do I need a flu shot every year?
Flu shots work best about two weeks after getting vaccinated, but their protection starts to fade after six to nine months. Plus, the flu virus changes every year. The yearly flu vaccine is updated based on predictions about which strain may appear.
2. Can you get the flu twice in one season?
Yes, you can catch the flu more than once in a season. Flu viruses come in different types, so it’s possible to get one strain early on and a different one later. That’s where the flu shot comes in. It protects against several flu viruses and lowers your risk of getting seriously ill.
