Don’t Let Influenza Interrupt Your Holiday Merriment

Influenza got a jump-start on Santa Claus this year — the deadly illness already is infecting Texans across the state, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS). Texas physicians and DSHS want to remind everyone to protect themselves and their loved ones this holiday season by getting a flu shot. It’s not too late.

“Getting the flu vaccine is the most important thing you can do right now to help protect yourself from influenza,” said Dr. Jennifer Shuford, DSHS infectious disease medical officer. Vaccination is especially important for older adults, infants, pregnant women, and people with chronic health conditions because they are at greater risk of developing serious complications from the flu. Everyone 6 months of age and older should get a flu shot. To schedule a flu shot, contact your physician or visit texasflu.org.

In addition to the flu shot, DSHS and physicians say Texans can help prevent the spread of flu by washing their hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when they are sick.