People are encouraged to have an Influenza vaccine for the cases of flu in North Texas is increasing. The officials of New Mexico Department of Health also encourages New Mexicans it is not yet too late to have a vaccination that prevents flu. Dr. Mary Suzanne Whitworth, medical director of infectious diseases at Cook Children’s Medical Center, said that it is still very early in the season, it is better to be prepared even though we cannot predict how the severity and whether it will be a typical year or somewhat better or worse.

At Cook Children’s Medical Center, 427 patients were tested for the flu between Jan. 15 and Jan. 21, with 100 positive results for influenza A and five for Influenza B. Tarrant County Public Health data show that, in Tarrant County, the percentage of influenza like illness cases increased from 2.8 percent the week of Jan. 8-14 to to 3.3 percent the week of Jan. 15-21. The percentage of the rapid flu test during the same time frame also increased.

The Texas Department of State Health Services said that, statewide, flu activity is considered widespread. Health experts say that the influenza vaccine used this year might have a higher efficiency than the previous vaccines used in the previous years. However, it is too late to state the rate of effectiveness. Last year’s shot was only 47 percent effective, and two years ago, it was only 19 percent effective, date from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

According to the Star-Telegram, health experts also say that it is not too late to have Influenza vaccine that is available in public health clinics. According to the Ruidoso News, Department of Health, Cabinet Secretary Lynn Gallagher, MPH, said that it is better for citizens to take flu shots yearly to prevent flu. They are also encouraging New Mexicans six months and older that have not yet taken any influenza vaccine to get their flu vaccines as much as possible.