It's Flu Time in Texas

We've finally documented a few cases of influenza during the last couple of weeks. All of the cases I've seen so far have been in patients who have not gotten a flu shot.

It's not too late to get vaccinated, and if you haven't yet I recommend that you do so ASAP. It takes a couple of weeks for your immunity to the virus to develop, and by then I predict the flu is going to be widespread in these parts. And no, the shot will not give you the flu. So go get vaccinated.

Influenza is a serious condition that kills more than 36,000 Americans each year. Even if you survive it, you'll feel miserable for a week or two and certainly miss some work. Typical symptoms are:

* fever (usually high)
* headache
* extreme tiredness
* dry cough
* sore throat
* runny or stuffy nose
* muscle aches

Stomach symptoms, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, also can occur but are more common in children than adults. There are treatments available, but they work best if started within 12-24 hours of onset of fever. If you wait more than 2 days, you will just have to ride it out.

Here is a map of current influenza activity in the US: