Flu cases rising in Dallas-Fort Worth

Flu-like illnesses are increasing in North Texas.

Why it matters: Many of the new confirmed flu cases are from a variant that has caused an early wave of illnesses in Asia and Europe.

• The latest U.S. disease data covers the first full week after Thanksgiving, signaling the official start of flu season.

Threat level: The flu is spreading while confirmed cases of COVID and RSV are increasing, per Texas health statistics.

• The respiratory illnesses typically peak in the winter.

Zoom in: Dallas-Fort Worth has higher levels of flu activity than most other metro areas in Texas.

• North Texas has moderate levels of flu activity, compared to Austin, Houston and San Antonio, which have minimal levels, according to the CDC.
• The Brownsville area has a high level of flu activity.

Zoom out: Louisiana has a high level of flu activity, while other neighboring states have minimal flu activity.

• Colorado, New Jersey and New York are the only other states with high levels of flu activity.

By the numbers: The percentage of people who go to Texas hospitals and clinics with flu-like symptoms has increased in recent weeks, from under 2% to 3.7% as of Dec. 6, per the latest state figures.

• The percentage of positive COVID tests and positive RSV tests have also increased in recent weeks.
• At least 774 Texans have died from COVID this year.

The bottom line: If you're sick, stay home. The flu is one gift best kept to yourself.