Emergency rooms and urgent care centers across North Texas are struggling to keep up with a significant increase in flu cases.
In just the past 24 hours, Cook Children’s Emergency Department in Fort Worth treated nearly 700 patients, an unusually high number for this time of year.
Doctors across the region are seeing a sharp rise in flu cases, particularly among children. Children’s Health, which primarily serves Dallas and Collin counties, reported 783 flu cases last week—an 83% increase from the previous week.
Flu Cases Straining Healthcare Facilities
While non-pediatric hospitals still have enough bed space, flu-related emergency room visits are climbing. Medical City Healthcare emergency rooms reported a 10% increase in flu-related visits last week, with a 35% positivity rate.
Dr. Stephanie Felton, an attending physician at Cook Children’s, noted that flu symptoms vary widely. Patients are coming in with fever, cough, congestion, vomiting, diarrhea, body aches, and overall fatigue.
Most cases last five to seven days and can be managed at home, but doctors urge parents to watch for signs that require emergency care, such as dehydration, high fever lasting more than five days, or difficulty breathing.
Doctors Urge Prevention Amid Peak Flu Season
Health officials say flu activity is peaking, both in North Texas and nationwide. Dr. Carla Garcia Carreno, Medical Director for Infection Prevention and Control at Children’s Health Plano, reminded parents that children should be fever-free for 24 hours before returning to school or daycare.
To reduce the spread of the flu, doctors recommend frequent hand washing, disinfecting shared surfaces, and staying home if sick.
Schools Impacted by Flu Outbreaks
Schools across North Texas are also feeling the effects of the flu surge.
Mesquite ISD has seen a sharp rise in flu cases, from 18 at the beginning of January to 210 just two weeks later. The district has brought in additional substitute teachers to cover for sick staff and has conducted deep cleaning at affected campuses.
Dallas ISD has not reported major flu outbreaks, but Frisco ISD noted that attendance dips every flu season. Denton and Collin county health departments have reported increased flu cases, and schools are stepping up cleaning efforts.
Some schools are closing temporarily due to high absenteeism. Godley Independent School District and Treetops School International in Euless announced they will remain closed for the rest of the week.
With flu cases surging across North Texas, emergency rooms are overwhelmed, and schools are struggling with high absentee rates. Doctors urge families to take precautions to prevent further spread and to seek medical care only when necessary.
As flu activity peaks, prevention measures like vaccinations, hand hygiene, and staying home when sick remain crucial in keeping communities safe.