Flu Report Comparison

Boiron, a supplier of flu and cold medicines, released flu statistics for Texas that shows the Lone Star State is faring in the moderate to weak categories for the number of cases reported. But caution is advised this week and for the remainder of the holidays as people hit the malls in mass numbers, go to airports for travel, or gather with family and friends to celebrate the season.

However, online shopping is actually helping to reduce the exchange of germs as some people stay home instead of venturing to the stores.

Austin's reports of upper respiratory symptoms include 77,344 incidences, according to Boiron, which is 4.8% of the population. This week's report is a change of 1.1% from last week. In comparison, Houston had 343,252 incidences reported, which is 6.1% of the population. The city's change from last week is 19.7%. In Dallas, there are 789,613 incidences reported, which is 12.1% of the population. The change from last week is -5.1%. And in San Antonio, 6.7% of the population is represented with a total of 146,590 incidences. The Alamo City's number changed 7.1% over last week.

Austin is at an "Advisory Up" status, meaning respiratory illness has spread to the city. The status will continue toward Pre-Alert. Experts are predicting a second peak of seasonal flu. Health officials say that getting vaccinated against the seasonal flu, as well as H1N1, will help keep people healthy and fight off the risk for infecting large amounts of people.