Monica Ortiz receives her flu vaccination from Rochelle Guyse, a pharmacy manager at a South Austin CVS. It’s recommended that people get a flu shot before Halloween to be ready for the holidays.
Sara Diggins/American-Statesman
Flu season has arrived in Texas. In Central Texas and throughout the state, flu cases, particularly flu A, are increasing, according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data and local health officials.
“We are encouraging everyone to get the flu shot,” said Dr. Desmar Walkes, the public health authority for Austin and Travis County. Walkes singled out young children, older adults and anyone who is at risk for struggling with a respiratory virus, such as people who take immune-suppressing medications.
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Flu, though, can be tricky. “You could be otherwise healthy and still get really, really sick,” Walkes said.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expects this flu season to be similar to last year’s, which was considered moderately severe. In the 2025-2026 season, the CDC’s surveillance estimates there were 32 million flu illnesses, 15 million flu-related medical visits, 390,000 hospitalizations and 24,000 deaths, including 179 children. Last year, about 80% of the flu cases were the new H3N2 A strain.
Christopher Garrison gets a flu shot at an Austin Independent School District Showcase. This flu season is expected to be similar to last year.
Aaron E. Martinez/American-Statesman
When can you get a flu shot?
Now is the ideal time. Doctors recommend saying “Boo to the flu,” to have protection by Thanksgiving, when holiday gatherings begin. It takes about two weeks after vaccination to mount the full immune response.
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The flu shot doesn’t mean you won’t get the flu, but your symptoms are usually less severe and last a shorter period of time. You are less likely to need to be hospitalized or to die. Last year, among the 179 children who died from flu, 85% were not vaccinated, the CDC reported.
The flu vaccines are available for anyone 6 months and older. Children have a different version than the adult versions of these vaccines. For children 8 and younger, they need two flu shots a month apart during the first year of vaccination.
People 65 and older also should get a high-dose version of the flu vaccine if it is available to give them more protection because their immune systems are weaker.
Most flu shots are covered at 100% by insurance companies. Austin Public Health hosts mobile vaccine clinics and free or reduced-fee vaccines at its Dove Springs and St. Johns clinics. Call 512-972-5520 to schedule a vaccine or go to austintexas.gov/services/get-free-or-low-cost-vaccines.
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Sendero HealthPlans is offering free flu vaccines for the community from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday in the gym at George Morales Dove Springs Recreation Center, 5801 Ainez Drive.
If you do get sick, what should you do?
Get a flu test to know whether you have the flu or another virus.
If it is the flu, within 48 hours of symptom onset, consider asking your doctor for an antiviral medication such as Tamiflu to lessen symptoms. This is particularly important for people at higher risk for severe illness. Antivirals can also be requested if you’ve been exposed but are not yet sick.
Stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours and symptoms are improving. If your temperature is 100.4 degrees or more, you are considered contagious.
Wear a mask if you must go out in public or when returning to work or school.
Stay hydrated. If you are unable to keep fluids down, seek medical care to manage hydration.
Treat the symptoms with Tylenol or Advil, honey or a cough suppressant, and a decongestant. Steam can also help relieve symptoms.
Watch for signs of difficulty breathing, such as wheezing, the chest pulling in at the sternum or a bluish tinge to the lips.
If you cannot care for yourself at home or are unsure whether you need additional care, call your provider, your insurance company’s nurse hotline or your local hospital’s nurse hotline.
Is COVID-19 still around?
Yes, Texas has very high levels of COVID-19 in the wastewater, which means people are shedding the virus in their feces during their illness. COVID-19-related emergency room visits are declining while flu-related visits are increasing, but COVID-19 is still slightly more prevalent. Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) still remains low.
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COVID-19 vaccines are available now for anyone 6 months and older. Any person who wants a COVID-19 vaccine can get one to help prevent severe disease and hospitalization. They are especially recommended for anyone 65 and older and anyone at high risk for severe disease.
RSV vaccines are available for infants ages 8 months to 19 months during the winter months or before 8 months if their mother wasn’t vaccinated during pregnancy; pregnant women at 32 weeks to 36 weeks gestation; and adults 75 and older or adults ages 50 to 74 who are at risk for a respiratory illness.
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