207 reported flu-related deaths in Central Texas this flu-season

The Texas Department of Health and Human Services says between September 30, 2018 and January 2, 2019 there were 207 flu-related deaths reported in Central Texas.

TDHHS says December and January aren’t included in those numbers because there’s usually a delay on receiving that information. Nonetheless, doctors are urging folks to get the flu vaccine if you haven’t done so yet. TDHHS tells FOX 7 Austin:

Dr. Claire Hebner at the Austin Regional Clinic Far West location says she was one of thousands of doctors last year who were working around the clock treat patients during what the CDC called the worst flu season in the past decade.

December 30th 2018 to January 5th 2019 at 26 ARC locations, almost 900 patients had flu-like symptoms and were tested. Of those, 205 were tested positive for flu.

Dr. Hebner says if you have flu-like symptoms, stay away from others and see a doctor. If you don’t want to get it, it’s not too late to get the flu vaccine, and remember to wash your hands frequently.

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