While fighting COVID-19 continues to be a top priority, we can’t forget the flu. Influenza impacted an estimated 38 million Americans during the 2019-2020 flu season, with 400,000 hospitalizations for flu and 22,000 flu deaths, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Texas Health is taking a proactive approach to helping the community prevent the spread of the flu by coordinating 57 flu vaccine clinics through Nov. 6. The clinics are run by our Faith Community Nurses and are held at faith communities and faith-based organizations throughout North Texas.

You can take the following steps to protect yourself and your family:

• Get vaccinated!
• Stop the spread by covering your mouth and nose when you sneeze; avoiding close contact with sick people; avoiding touching your eyes, nose and mouth; and washing your hands frequently.
• If you think you’re getting sick with the flu, ask your healthcare provider about flu antivirals. Antiviral drugs can be used to treat flu illness and can make the illness milder and shorten the time you are sick.

How do you know if you have a cold, the flu, or COVID-19? We have a helpful comparison of common characteristics of each. But because symptoms of colds, the flu, and COVID-19 may look the same, it is important to call your doctor.