Travis County Influenza Surveillance
Austin/Travis County influenza surveillance does not attempt to capture all cases of influenza or influenza-like illness. These data should be used for trending
purposes over time and for identifying types/strains of influenza that are occurring in the Austin area rather than for estimating the total number of cases.
Summary ? Season 2018-2019 (as of February 15, 2019).
Influenza activity has increased compared to the previous week, activity is widespread in Travis County.
The percentage of specimens positive by rapid antigen tests for influenza reported by hospital and public health
laboratories in Travis County is 38.6% (as of MMWR week 6).
During MMWR week 6, one outbreak was reported in a long term care facility.
Four influenza-associated deaths have been reported among Travis County residents during this season (one person died
in November 2018, three persons died in February 2019). No influenza associated pediatric deaths have been reported.
As of MMWR week 6, the percentage of specimens positive for influenza reported by hospital laboratories across Texas
increased to 32.6%, statewide the number of patient visits due to Influenza like Illness (ILI) was 10.1% (Figure 2).
In Texas, as of week 6, A virus strain were more commonly detected (Figure 3).
In addition to flu, other respiratory viruses - especially rhinovirus, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - were detected in Texas
during epidemiological week 6. In general, this season pattern seems similar to season 2016-2017.
According to CDC, influenza activity is widespread in most of the US. Influenza A viruses and specially A(H1N1) have
predominated since the beginning of the season.
In the U.S., during week 6, the proportion of people seeing their health care provider for ILI was 4.8%, which is above the
national baseline of 2.2%. All 10 regions reported ILI at or above their region-specific baseline level.
It is not too late to get the flu vaccine, CDC recommends vaccination as long as flu viruses are circulating. Early flu
vaccine effectiveness estimates for the 2018-19 season show people who were vaccinated reduced their risk of needing
medical care for flu by about half overall.
Flu shots are available at Shots for Tots/Big Shots clinics for children who are uninsured or Medicaid recipients, and for
uninsured adults. Cost of the flu vaccine is $25 for adults, $10 for children, and free for children with Medicaid. No one will
be denied services if they are unable to pay. Appointments are needed at a clinic, please call 512-972-5520.
Providers interested in becoming sentinel providers may call the Austin Public Health - Epidemiology and Disease
Surveillance Unit at (512) 972-5555.
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http://www.austintexas.gov/sites/de.../Flu/Flu_Report_-_February_15_2019_week_6.pdf
