Travis County Flu Deaths Rise To 29

AUSTIN, TX — The toll of this season's flu season continues to mount, with the number of influenza-related deaths rising to 29.

The revised death count is found in the latest report by Austin Public Health on Feb. 5. Health officials have categorized this year's flu season one of the most aggressive on record, a status fortified by some virus strains' growing resistance to vaccinations.

Judging from by sheer numbers alone, the current flu season is six times deadlier than last year's version given the number of deaths so far this year. And the toll could rise as health officials have said this year's flu season could extend well into April.

Local health officials said there have been 24 outbreaks reported among long-term care facilities so far — up from the 19 that Austin Public Health officials tallied in their prior Jan. 22 report. No pediatric deaths have been reported despite the growing numbers of victims.

It's not just the flu that's felling people. According to health officials, other respiratory viruses — especially respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) — have been detected in Texas. Statewide, the predominant virus is the A(H3N2) form of the virus while A(H1N1), and B are co-circulating, according to health officials.

In neighboring Williamson County, health officials claim the number of flue cases have been steady. Officials there place the number of cases at more than 1,000 with no deaths as detailed in their most recent report on Feb. 2.

Yet by their own admission, health officials there have no way of tracking deaths related to the flu making the true impact of the flu in Williamson County something of a mystery. County spokeswoman Deb Strahler told Patch in a recent interview that because the county does not receive death certificates, the health district is unable to track flu-related deaths (except for pediatric deaths). She added that health officials don't inquire as to the nature of a person's death to determine if a patient died of influenza as that would be an invasion of privacy per Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) guidelines.

Related stories:

Travis County Flu Deaths Rise To 20

Travis County Flu Deaths Now 11 Amid Stronger Virus

Flu Cases In Williamson County 'Moderate, But Increasing'

Flu Outbreak Prompts Pflugerville School To Close

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers tips as well. To that end, they offer on their website:

Preventing the Flu: Good Health Habits Can Help Stop Germs

"The single best way to prevent seasonal flu is to get vaccinated each year, but good health habits like covering your cough and washing your hands often can help stop the spread of germs and prevent respiratory illnesses like the flu," CDC officials wrote. "There also are flu antiviral drugs that can be used to treat and prevent flu."

• Avoid close contact.

"Avoid close contact with people who are sick. When you are sick, keep your distance from others to protect them from getting sick too."

• Stay home when you are sick.

"If possible, stay home from work, school, and errands when you are sick. This will help prevent spreading your illness to others."

• Cover your mouth and nose.

"Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing. It may prevent those around you from getting sick."

• Clean your hands.

"Washing your hands often will help protect you from germs. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand rub."

• Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth.

"Germs are often spread when a person touches something that is contaminated with germs and then touches his or her eyes, nose, or mouth."

• Practice other good health habits.

"Clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces at home, work or school, especially when someone is ill. Get plenty of sleep, be physically active, manage your stress, drink plenty of fluids, and eat nutritious food."
On their website, CDC officials also provide a number of downloadable flyers and posters designed to educate people on avoiding the flu ideal for use by community and public settings as well as health care facilities. Check out those educational materials by clicking here.

>>> Photo via Centers for Disease Control