Hidalgo County health officials are urging residents to get their influenza vaccine with a dozen individuals being treated at a local hospital for influenza, the county reported Thursday on its Facebook page.
According to health officials, two of the individuals are in the intensive care unit at the hospital.
The influenza season usually begins in October and continues through May.
Flu symptoms include fever or feeling feverish with the chills, cough, sore throat, a runny nose, muscle or body aches, headaches and fatigue. Some people may experience vomiting or diarrhea, which is more common in children than adults, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
People at higher risk of the flu include those 65 years or older, people of any age with chronic medical conditions, pregnant women, and children younger than 5 years of age.
The health department is offering flu vaccines at its clinics, and residents can call (956) 383-6221 for more information.
Health officials encourage residents do the following to fight the flu: Get vaccinated; cover your mouth and nose with your sleeve or tissue when you cough or sneeze and toss used tissue in the waste basket and wash your hands; wash your hands often with soap and water or alcohol-based hand cleaner; avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth if you touch surfaces with the flu virus; and stay home if you are sick.
