North Texas is experiencing a huge rise in Flu cases. According to the latest surveillance report from Dallas County Health and Human Services, Flu cases skyrocketed over 1,000% in the metroplex.
Rapidly rising cases of the highly contagious respiratory virus have prompted Medical City Las Colinas experts to offer tips about when to seek medical attention and how to know the difference between circulating viruses.
“Within the last month, we have seen a spike in flu cases within our emergency department,” says Nathan Ham, DO, medical director of emergency medicine at Medical City Las Colinas. “As the spread of respiratory illnesses continues to increase, it is important for individuals to be aware of the primary symptoms and speak with their doctor about getting vaccinated.”
According to Dr Ham there are similarities between COVID-19, the flu and cold symptoms, but the difference is the time that it takes to begin showing symptoms after exposure varies. Flu infection typically takes one to four days while someone infected with COVID-19 may experience symptoms 2 to 14 days after being exposed.
The chart here shows how to tell the difference between symptoms of flu, COVID-19 and an ordinary cold virus.
Experts recommend to seek emergency care immediately if your or your loved ones experience any of the following symptoms:
- Bluish lips or face
- Dehydration
- Difficulty breathing
- High fever
- Inability to wake or stay awake
- New confusion or dizziness
- Persistent chest or stomach pain or pressure
Experts also remind everyone to take simple precautions to prevent spreading such as staying home when sick, avoiding close contact with anyone who is sick, washing hands frequently and covering coughs and sneezes.
The CDC also recommends getting vaccinated to protect and reduce the risk of hospitalization from COVID-19 and the flu.