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Jan. 13--The flu has reached the widespread level for the first time in Texas, state health officials reported Wednesday.
Ten of the state's 11 health regions had increased flu activity last week, according to Texas Department of State Health Services officials.
"This does not mean influenza is running rampant and every other person you see has it," said Doug McBride, DSHS spokesman. "But it has increased, and we thought it was important for people to know that."
In Tarrant County, only about 11 cases have been reported.
"While in the region the flu is widespread, locally our reported cases are low," said Vanassa Joseph, spokesman for Tarrant County Public Health.
In Dallas, 43 flu cases have been confirmed, said Amanda McKeen Simpson, spokeswoman for Dallas County Department of Health and Human Services.
"It's starting to creep up," she said. "Now is really good time to get flu shot if you're at risk."
In Texas, flu season is typically heaviest in late December through February. It takes about two weeks for the vaccine to offer maximum protection. Vaccine is available in Dallas County, but in Tarrant County, no public clinics are planned.
While there is no reason to panic, the classification should be a wake-up call for those in the high-risk category to get their flu shots, state health officials said.
The widespread classification is used when there is an increase in flu and flulike illnesses and laboratory-confirmed flu in at least half of the state's regions.
Although influenza is not a reportable condition in Texas, the state uses reports from a surveillance network to classify flu activity as no activity, sporadic, local, regional and widespread.
FLU SHOTS FOR VETERANS
--VA North Texas Health Care System is providing flu shots to veterans as well as ChampVA and TriCare beneficiaries. Shots are available from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekdays at the following places:
--Dallas VA Medical Center, Clinical Addition Atrium, 4500 S. Lancaster Rd.
--Sam Rayburn Memorial Veterans Center in Bonham, 1201 E. 9th St. Building 1 Outpatient Clinic.
--Fort Worth Outpatient Clinic, Reception, 300 W. Rosedale St.
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