The flu is absolutely terrible this year.  It's pretty bad anytime you get it, but this year it is infecting folks at a phenomenal rate - and North Texas is getting hammered with new cases and a climbing death toll everyday.  What's worse is that flu season may not have hit its peak yet.  Experts agree that the time of year that the population is most likely to catch the flu is December through March.  We are technically only halfway through the danger zone!

Since October 1st of 2017, 38 deaths have been attributed to the disease in Dallas County alone.  The official North Texas flu death toll is 81!  The outbreak has forced officials to close schools and even caused Methodist Hospital in Dallas to re-route emergency patients because they were full of folks infected with the flu.

According to the Dallas Morning News, this is the most devastating outbreak since the 2013-2014 season, when 58 people lost their lives in a fight with the flu.  Dr. Christopher Perkins with Dallas County Health and Human Services says that the elderly and older adults, people suffering from chronic health conditions, pregnant women, young children, and infants are the most at risk.

Don't think we are immune here in Shreveport / Bossier City - according to KSLA, approximately 20% of the staff of Donnie Bickham Middle School in Blanchard was out with the flu this past Friday causing the entire school to take a sick day!

The bottom line is this: Take care of yourself!  If you haven't gotten a flu shot this season, officials say it's not too late.  Also - make sure you are washing your hands frequently, cover your coughs and sneezes with a tissue or your sleeve (not bare hands), and if you or your child is sick - stay home!

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