At a Glance
- 14-18% of flu tests in Dallas and Tarrant counties came back positive last week
- 334 flu cases logged at Children’s Health during the first week of January
- Mountain cedar pollen remains in the “high” range, compounding respiratory misery
- Why it matters: Knowing whether it’s flu or allergies decides if you need antiviral drugs, not just antihistamines
North Texas is in the thick of a twin assault: influenza activity keeps climbing while mountain cedar pollen blankets the air, leaving residents sniffling, sneezing and coughing with little relief from the cold snap.
Flu Tests Show Sharp Uptick
Laboratory data for the week ending the first week of January show:
- Dallas County: 14% of flu tests positive
- Tarrant County: 18% of flu tests positive
- Children’s Health system: 334 confirmed flu cases in the same seven-day span
Dr. Preeti Sharma, a pediatric pulmonologist with Children’s Health, said the numbers match what clinicians are seeing in exam rooms.
“We’re still in the thick of it right now,” she said.
Flu vs. Allergies: How to Tell
Overlapping symptoms-congestion, runny nose, cough-make self-diagnosis tricky, but intensity and timing offer clues.
Typical allergy signs:
- Itchy, watery eyes
- Sneezing fits
- Pressure centered in the forehead
- Symptoms worsen outdoors on high-pollen days
Flu red flags:
- Sudden high fever
- Body aches
- Profound fatigue
- Loss of appetite
Dr. Marcial Oquendo, a pediatrician at Guadalupe Medical Center in Dallas, said the location of facial pressure can be telling.
“If it is more itchy, runny-nosed, itchy eyes and the pressure is in the front of your face and moves down, it’s more suggestive of allergies,” Oquendo explained.
Conversely, he noted, flu and other respiratory viruses “are going to be associated generally with other symptoms like potentially a fever, body aches, feeling more tired.”
Why the Flu Could Linger
Doctors warn that both influenza A and B can circulate for months, and the current cold stretch keeps people indoors in close contact, fueling transmission.
“Hopefully we’re getting towards seeing the light at the end of the tunnel,” Sharma said, “but we’re not there yet.”
What to Do Now
Health officials urge anyone whose symptoms escalate-high fever, shortness of breath, or dehydration-to contact a physician promptly. Antiviral medications work best when started within 48 hours of flu onset.
Prevention steps repeated by News Of Fort Worth:
- Get this season’s flu vaccine, especially for high-risk groups
- Wash hands often with soap and water
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue
- Avoid close contact with sick individuals
- Stay home when ill
- Avoid touching eyes, nose or mouth
Pollen Outlook
Mountain cedar counts remain in the high category across North Texas. Cold nights and sunny days keep the trees releasing pollen that can travel hundreds of miles, meaning even city residents without cedar nearby can suffer.
For allergy sufferers, over-the-counter antihistamines and keeping windows closed during peak pollen hours can ease misery. For flu patients, prescription antivirals and rest remain the cornerstone of treatment.
Key Takeaways
- Flu activity is elevated; 14-18% of tests are positive
- 334 flu cases at Children’s Health in one week signal a heavy season
- Itchy eyes and frontal pressure point to allergies; fever and body aches suggest flu
- Antiviral drugs shorten flu duration if started early
- Prevention hinges on vaccination and basic hygiene
