Flu is turning up in North Texas children four to six weeks earlier than in recent years, Children's Health says

Flu season has started early for North Texas children.

Children's Health, the Dallas-based pediatric hospital system, saw flu cases rise 36% over the past week, FOX 4 reported Thursday. Cases are arriving four to six weeks earlier than they have over the past five years, and the early start is showing up in adults as well as children, according to the report.

Influenza A is the main strain circulating so far. That strain can hit children harder than others, the report said. Influenza B, COVID-19 and RSV are turning up less often right now.

How hard this season will hit is still unknown, the station reported. The peak is still weeks away.

Shots, and why timing matters for children

Dr. Most, an infectious disease specialist at Children's Health, told FOX 4 that everyone who is eligible for a flu vaccine, children included, should get one now rather than wait.

"When they're getting their first flu vaccine, often you need to get two in the same season about a month apart," Most said. Because flu is already climbing, he said, "right now is the best time to get your flu vaccine."

The body needs a couple of weeks after a shot to build antibodies, health officials say.

A parent who works in child care and whose toddler was diagnosed this week with flu, COVID-19 and strep at the same time told the station she had planned to get her family vaccinated but thought there was more time. She urged parents to keep sick children home for 24 hours so they can recover.

Sources

FOX 4

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