By Damon Sayles w/Plano Star
Kandice White called five days of last week “a living nightmare.”
That was after White, a stay-at-home mother with a small, at-home event-planning business, was diagnosed with the flu. All business ventures were put on hold, and her two children were sent to stay with family members.
The flu is more than just a virus that causes multiple illnesses during the winter months. It’s a game-changer of sorts, a phenomenon that strikes many and alters the plans of many more.
“To me, that was hardest thing: not being able to hug my kids,” White said. “Being sick is one thing, but not being able to have interaction with my family was the worst thing ever.”
The recent snow and ice of North Texas has incorporated more than potential road accidents and school cancellations. It has been a carrier of one of the most contagious viruses around, a virus that can be a fatal stalker in younger children as well as geriatric individuals.
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the exact number of flu cases in the state is unknown, as many flu cases are not reported. Dallas County Health and Human Services has reported an increase in flu activity around the area since the start of the year.
“We’ve had an increase in the months of January and February, but that’s normally when the increases come,” said Christie Hix, immunization program manager for Collin County Health Care Services. “The flu seems to hit pretty hard around this time every year.”
Authorities suggest washing hands, covering coughs and keeping distance from those affected are sure-fire ways to steer clear of the flu. The No. 1 suggestion, however, is the flu vaccination. Collin County Health Care Services offers vaccinations from 7:30-11 a.m. and from 1-4 p.m Monday through Friday for those ages 6 months and older.
“It’s really important for the younger children,” Hix said. “Their immune systems aren’t as developed and haven’t been accustomed to the flu virus like some of the older people.”
Vaccinations now are available at health centers as well as local pharmacies. Those at high risk for complications of the vaccination may include adults over 65, pregnant women, babies with developing immune systems and individuals with long-term health issues, such as lung, heart and kidney diseases or immunodeficiency syndromes.
Still, the idea of flu prevention is a major priority as more and more people around the area are affected.
“It’s wiping people out – big time,” White said.
