Mountain cedar pollen and rising flu cases across North Texas are making many people feel sick.
Cold temperatures aren’t helping an already challenging cold and flu season in North Texas, especially as flu cases continue to climb and the region remains in the high range for pollen-related allergies.
Sniffling, sneezing and coughing are common right now, leaving many people wondering whether they’re dealing with allergies, a cold or the flu. It can be difficult to tell, particularly with flu activity increasing across the area.
In Dallas and Tarrant counties, between 14% and 18% of flu tests came back positive over the past week. Children’s Health also reported 334 flu cases during the first week of January.
Dr. Preeti Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist with Children’s Health, said allergy symptoms often include congestion, sneezing and itchy eyes, while flu symptoms tend to be more intense.
“So illnesses like the flu and certain respiratory viruses are going to be associated generally with other symptoms like potentially a fever, body aches, feeling more tired, loss of appetite,” Sharma said.
Dr. Marcial Oquendo, a pediatrician with Guadalupe Medical Center in Dallas, said while symptoms can overlap, there are some key differences.
“The symptoms kind of seem very similar, running nose, headache, pressure in the front of your face, and then you can have sneezing, coughing, sore throat,” Oquendo said. “If it is more kind of itchy, runny-nosed, itchy eyes and the pressure is kind of in the front of your face and moves down, and that causes a lot of pressure. It’s more suggestive of allergies.”
Doctors warn that viral illnesses typically bring more severe symptoms and could remain widespread for months.
“Hopefully we’re getting towards seeing the light at the end of the tunnel, but we’re still in the thick of it right now,” Sharma said.
Health experts recommend checking in with a doctor if symptoms worsen or if there is uncertainty about what’s causing the illness.
TIPS FOR AVOIDING FLU
- Get a flu vaccine every season, especially people with high risk
- Wash your hands often with soap and water
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick
- Stay home when you are sick
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth
- If you’re experiencing flu symptoms, visit your doctor and begin taking antiviral medications to help you recover more quickly
WHAT IS FLU?
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by the influenza virus that affects the nose, throat, and lungs. Some people, those age 65 and older or young children, or those with underlying medical conditions, are at higher risk for flu complications. There are two main types of flu, Flu A and Flu B, that are generally responsible for seasonal flu epidemics each year.
Learn more about the flu virus here from the CDC.
Great Job Vince Sims & the Team @ NBC 5 Dallas-Fort Worth for sharing this story.
