Doctors on the South Plains said they have see more cases of the flu in the last few weeks.

Dr. Bryson Bowman with Star ER said he noticed an uptick starting about a month ago and diagnosis of the flu have only continued to increase. 

“It started out pretty slow over the last couple of months,” Dr. Bowman said. “We’ve continually seen the number of cases spike and that trend has been pretty consistent across the state. Texas was a little bit behind some of the other states this year.”

Dr. Bowman said about half of the patients he diagnosis with the flu, had their flu vaccine.

“About half the people that get the vaccine are going to be covered for the strain of influenza that is spreading around,” Dr. Bowman said. 

While they may sound like unconvincing numbers to the untrained public, Dr. Bowman said these numbers are good compared to where we were two years ago. 

“The CDC is reporting that the influenza vaccine is about 43 to 47% effective this year,” Dr. Bowman said. “Which is about what it was last year.”  

Some people are more at risk than others and should be more careful when coming into contact with those who are sick. 
 
“The younger, especially under 2 months,” Dr. Bowman said. “Those children get very ill and the older patients, those over the age of 65.” 
 
Flu season is in full swing but should calm down around the end of March, beginning of April. Although some cases can be seen all the way into May. 
 
The flu is easily spread but can be prevented by following a few tips.  
 
“The most important thing is good hand hygiene, good hand washing,” Dr. Bowman said. “And also quarantining yourself if you’re sick. We all hate missing days of work and days of school, but if you are sick the most important thing to do is stay home, stay hydrated and get over this and not spread it to other people in the community.”