This year’s flu season has peaked. In the most recent report available, the Center for Disease Control found that reports are trending down 24.5 % for the week of Feb. 24 through March 2. It also reports that the current hospitalization rate is 88.9 per 100,000 nationwide. TCU’s Health Center reports that the campus has a 24% positivity rate for the flu. 

Tarrant County Public Health expects flu activity to elevate this month. Currently, the TCPH has reported 46 flu outbreaks, with 41 occurring in schools. This is significantly higher than last year when there were only nine reported outbreaks. 

“Influenza” is the most trending topic Texas residents are searching on the Texas Department of State Health Services. While flu cases are surging across the U.S., Texas is not immune to this trend.

The week of Feb. 22, 42 states including the District of Columbia (D.C.) are experiencing “high” or “very high” levels of influenza-like illness. According to the CDC’s latest FluView report, “Seasonal flu activity remains elevated.”

Flu trends at TCU

TCU’s campus has also seen an uptick in influenza cases. When the national flu positivity rate trends up, the campus rate does, too, according to Kyle Roderick, the clinical information analyst at the Brown-Lupton Health Center.

“I had the flu this season and was out of class for an entire week,” Kylie Kinsella, a senior political science major, said.

Kinsella takes multivitamins daily to prevent the flu and regularly uses the health center’s services.

“I’ve been frequently sick, and they have always helped me recover,” she said.

Flu prevention and safety measures

Influenza, which spreads via droplets whether airborne or on surfaces, can be prevented by wearing a face cover and getting your flu shot; however, most people are no longer taking the precautions to keep themselves or others around them from becoming sick. Some students feel people have left behind pandemic-era practices that can prevent others from getting sick. 

“They have become abruptly less prominent because of how trapped and restricted the pandemic,” Julia Ochoa, a senior criminal justice major, said.

Although wearing a face covering helps prevent the spread of any respiratory virus like the flu, receiving the flu shot is the most effective way to prevent the virus. Healthcare professionals recommend the flu shot for everyone ages six months and older.

This year, the health center partnered with the Harris College of Nursing & Health Sciences as well as Campus Recreation & Wellness Promotion to encourage students and faculty to get a flu shot.

The TCU Flu Clinic, held on Oct. 2, 2024, administered 1,508 free flu vaccines to students and faculty.

“I like when TCU gives out free vaccines for students,” Sierra Lesniak, a junior theater studies major, said. 

What to do if you get the flu

Although you can still catch the flu with the vaccine, the TCU health center advises students to “follow their healthcare provider’s instructions regarding their recovery. In general, over-the-counter medications such as ibuprofen and acetaminophen can help alleviate fever and body aches. Vaccinated students often experience reduced flu symptoms but remain contagious when feverish. Flu-positive students should wear a mask in public and isolate themselves while symptomatic.” 

At the health center, students have access to prescription medications that help alleviate flu symptoms, thermometers to help monitor a fever and rapid flu testing for diagnostic purposes. The health center is open Monday to Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.