Flu Cases Skyrocket 300%: Are YOU at Risk? Health Officials Sound the Alarm!

NUECES COUNTY, Texas — As the holiday season approaches, health officials in Nueces County are sounding the alarm about an early surge in flu cases. The Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District reported a rise to at least 1,406 flu cases over the past week, marking an increase of approximately 10.5 percent from 1,272 cases the previous week. Dr. Anita Kurian, Public Health Director, informed KRIS 6 News that this uptick in flu activity is arriving sooner than in previous years.

“This year, especially this year as compared to recent years, we’ve seen an early surge and a noticeably rapid weekly increase in flu activity in our community,” Kurian stated.

Typically, flu circulation begins in the fall, with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) noting December through February as the peak period for flu season. As families prepare for Thanksgiving travel and gatherings, local health officials are concerned that flu numbers may continue to rise throughout the winter months.

This trend in South Texas reflects a broader pattern observed across the United States, where the CDC reports that flu has started to spread earlier than normal. The primary strain currently causing concern is H3N2, which is known for resulting in severe complications, particularly among older adults. This same variant has contributed to significant flu outbreaks in Canada and the United Kingdom. Infectious disease specialists warn that this early escalation in cases may put vulnerable populations—such as children, seniors, and individuals with weakened immune systems—at greater risk, especially if vaccination rates do not improve.

“The young children, older individuals, pregnant women—these are the groups that are typically at higher risks of flu-related complications,” Dr. Kurian noted.

The CDC estimates that over 650,000 Americans have contracted the flu this season, leading to thousands of hospitalizations nationwide, the majority of which are children. Last year’s flu season was particularly deadly, recording the highest number of pediatric fatalities since the 2009-10 H1N1 outbreak.

As flu cases continue to rise, health officials are urging residents to get vaccinated and to dispel a common misconception: that the flu vaccine can cause illness. Dr. Lase Ajayi, Board Chair-Elect of the American Medical Association, emphasized, “The flu vaccine will not give you the flu. It is a safe, effective, and preventative mechanism for mitigating flu symptoms.”

Dr. Kurian added that people may experience mild symptoms following vaccination, but these are not due to the vaccine itself. “It takes about two weeks for your body to build protection against the flu once you get the vaccine,” she explained.

Local health leaders caution that the flu season is just beginning, and numbers are likely to increase as the holidays approach. For those who have not yet received their flu shot, it is not too late; taking preventative action now may help slow community spread later.

Residents looking to receive their flu vaccine can visit the Corpus Christi-Nueces County Public Health District, which offers vaccinations both as walk-ins and by appointment. The Immunizations Clinic operates from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., with last appointments and walk-ins accepted at 11:00 a.m. and 3:45 p.m. Extended hours are available on the first Monday of every month, with the clinic open until 6:00 p.m. for walk-ins.

Immunization Clinics locations include:
Horne Road Clinic
1702 Horne Road
Corpus Christi, TX 78416

Robstown Satellite Clinic
Johnny Calderon County Center
710 East Main
Robstown, TX 78380

Vaccines are also available at local CVS and Walgreens locations.

As the flu season unfolds, staying informed and proactive can help protect not just individuals but the community as a whole. For the latest local news updates, consider downloading the KRIS 6 News App or catching their stories on YouTube.