NOTE: The last update of the dashboard is 5/25/23 until approx. first week of October, 2023.
Respiratory Illness Dashboard [View Dashboard Full Screen] [View Mobile/Tablet Version]
This data is provisional and is subject to change at any time.
The WCCHD flu surveillance system
does not attempt to capture all cases of influenza or influenza-like illness. The number of reporters sending in flu reports may vary from week to week. These data should be used to look for trends over time rather than for estimating the total number of cases.
Flu activity categories are calculated based on
guidance from CDC. The data presented each week are preliminary and may change as more data is received.
Data will be refreshed weekly on Thursdays.
Data on ILI is collected throughout the season from a variety of sources. On a weekly basis, school districts report to WCCHD absences due to ILI. Hospitals report numbers of patients seen with ILI and/or flu (rapid test by type: A, B, or not differentiated). Lone Star Circle of Care reports total counts of ILI seen in their clinics, and they provide additional data derived from their electronic medical record system aggregated by age, gender and zip code of residence. RediClinics and Texas MedClinic report total ILI seen to CDC’s ILINet and their data is available to WCCHD one week later. In addition, hospital emergency departments report chief complaint data to a syndromic surveillance system. Occasionally, other health departments relay information on cases from Williamson County seen by providers in other jurisdictions. Information related to each of these data streams is reviewed and analyzed by WCCHD weekly for trends.
Useful Resources & References
Flu Shots
DSHS recommends everyone six months old and older get vaccinated. People should talk to their health care provider about the best type of flu vaccine for them.
Texans can call 2-1-1 or visit 211Texas.org to find information on vaccine availability from local public health departments and other nearby non-profit organizations.
- When you get vaccinated you help protect those around you at risk for severe illness and who may not be eligible to receive flu vaccine
- Flu vaccine does not cause flu-like symptoms
- The flu shot provides protection in about two weeks
- High-dose flu vaccine is available for individuals age 65 and older. It contains four times as much antigen as the regular flu shot and affords seniors a greater antibody response
- No vaccine is 100% effective. Although you may still get the flu after being vaccinated you are less likely to have severe symptoms and complications from the illness
People are urged to follow standard illness-prevention steps:
- Wash hands frequently with soap and water or alcohol-based hand sanitizer;
- Cover coughs and sneezes;
- Stay home if sick
CDC - Flu Information DSHS - Texas Flu Season InformationDSHS - TexasFlu.Org
