Tarrant County Reports Their First 3 Flu Deaths This Season
Officials with Tarrant County Public Health on Wednesday confirmed three flu-related deaths. These are the first for Tarrant County this season, but among several across North Texas.
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Officials with Tarrant County Public Health on Wednesday confirmed three flu-related deaths. These are the first for Tarrant County this season, but among several across North Texas.
Some of the hardest hit areas in Tarrant County are near Kennedale. "It's been the hot zone," said Dane Thurston, a physician's assistant at Community Med Urgent Care.
People are being told to not shake hands with others or even just stay home altogether, in order to avoid spreading the flu even further throughout North Texas.
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Dallas County interim health director Ganesh Shivamaiyer is urging, "If you have a high-risk condition, remember to stay away from individuals who have flu-like symptoms."
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The flu continues to spread across North Texas, and one hospital wants people to make sure their flu is life-threatening before they take a trip to the emergency room.
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According to officials, of those three, the youngest was just 37, the oldest was 78. All three live in Dallas and had some underlying medical issues.
Experts say vulnerable groups-- seniors, those with chronic health conditions, and the very young-- should take extra precautions, and it doesn't have to be complicated.
"We are seeing a ton of influenza and upper respiratory illnesses," says Seamus Lonergan, M.D., an emergency room physician at Baylor Scott & White Irving.
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Dallas County Health officials late afternoon reported its sixth flu related death this season-- even as doctors warn that the worst is likely yet to come.
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