As the number of people visiting hospitals and clinics with flu-like symptoms rises in Austin and across the state, public health officials are urging Austinites to use caution and get vaccinated.
Here’s what to keep in mind when it comes to the flu:
🤧 Know the Difference Between the Flu and Allergies.
Not only is it flu season, it’s also cedar fever season, and it’s pretty bad out there. Cedar pollen counts are up and it’ll get worse with cold fronts this winter. While the symptoms for the flu and bad allergies are similar, there’s a few things to keep in mind.
- Allergies don’t cause a fever like the flu.
- Allergies improve when you take an antihistamine.
- Allergies can cause itchy eyes, which is not typical of the flu and other respiratory viruses.
Symptoms of both allergies and the flu include: A stuffy nose, coughing, sore throat, a runny nose, sneezing, partial loss of smell or taste, and fatigue. And, if you want to be sure, pick up an over-the-counter test.
🤢 Stay Home if You’re Sick.
Think you have the flu? You’re sure you have the flu? Stay home!
“If you’re feeling sick, stay home, wear a mask if you’re out of the house, wash your hands often, and speak with a doctor if the symptoms worsen,” said Austin-Travis County Health Authority Dr. Desmar Walkes.
Walkes said Austinites should seek treatment from a doctor as soon as possible, too.
💉 You Can Still Get a Flu Shot.
We may be in the midst of flu season, but that doesn’t mean it’s too late to get a flu shot. You can get immunized at spots like H-E-B, CVS, or Walgreens.
Austin Public Health also offers free or low-cost vaccines to children who are uninsured, Medicaid-eligible, underinsured, and American Indian or Alaska Natives, and to adults who are uninsured.
The city has two immunization clinics where children can get a vaccine for $13 and adults for $25:
- Dove Springs Clinic: 5811 Palo Blanco Lane
- St. Johns Clinic: 7500 Blessing Ave.
To find free vaccines, check the city’s mobile vaccine program’s schedule online.
