Texas state health officials are urging residents to get flu shots as the flu season begins, with the state marking October 1 as Texas Influenza Awareness Day. The Department of State Health Services recommends everyone ages six months and older be immunized as soon as possible.
"The body takes about two weeks to make flu antibodies after getting a flu shot," said Manda Hall, MD, DSHS Chief Medical Executive. "Small children and older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic health conditions often suffer the most severe effects from flu illness."
People with flu are most contagious in the first three days of illness and may develop fever, chills, muscle aches, cough, sore throat, fatigue, and headaches. The state advises those with flu symptoms to stay home and avoid contact with others. Those in high-risk groups should contact a healthcare professional if they develop symptoms, as antiviral treatments are available but most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset.