Tarrant County Reports Two Flu Deaths
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FORT WORTH (CBSDFW.COM) - Two Tarrant County adults have died from the flu within the past 24 hours.
Of the two victims, one was older than 60, the other younger than 60. Both adults had underlying medical issues, but the Tarrant County Public Health department would not give any additional information due to privacy concerns.
One week ago, Dallas County reported its first flu death of the year.
"If there are deaths being reported, it shows you activity is pretty high and it could be a severe season," said Vinny Tenaja, Tarrant County Public Health Director.
Health experts confirm there is an increase in flu activity this year compared to past years. The spike is being seen about four weeks earlier than normal and southern states like Texas and Louisiana are seeing more activity when compared to the rest of the country.
Tenaja says an early peak can be the result of several factors, including folks becoming complacent and not getting their flu shots early.
"If you can get the flu shot, please get it. Not only does it help you, but it helps others around you," Taneja said.
Couple this year's early activity with a flu shot that's proven to be not as effective. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned that this year's vaccine does not protect against all strains of the flu virus that appear to be circulating this year.
But Tenaja still encouraged those who have not gotten the flu shot to get it. He said if you get a mutated strand of the flu that existing flu shot does not cover, the vaccine may still help lessen its impact.
"People who have had the flu shot are likely to get a less severe form of the disease and a shorter duration of the disease," he said.
Everyone in Sabrina Monday's family got the flu shot early this year, and she's hoping her youngest son, Quincy, isn't coming down with a case of it. He's battling a sore throat.
"It's going around. At my boys school it's rampant," she said. "My boys wrestle and they need their strength."
Monday said news of two deaths is surprising, but wouldn't change her mind about getting a shot.
"I think we're better by getting some coverage than no coverage."
The CDC says, in addition to getting vaccinated, you can take everyday preventative actions like washing your hands to reduce the spread of germs.
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