From Dallas Express · Dallas Express · · 1m 50s
Texas Flu Positivity Rises as Reported COVID Cases Fall
Texas flu positivity rises while reported COVID cases drop in early 2026-2027 season.
In brief
Texas flu positivity rises while reported COVID cases drop in early 2026-2027 season. Texas flu positivity increased to 4.47% in Week 39 as reported COVID cases fell 32.9% from previous week. Originally reported by Dallas Express.
Texas Flu Positivity Rises
Texas hospital laboratories found influenza in 4.47% of specimens during Week 39 ending October 3.
Reported COVID Cases Fall
Texas logged 1,528 confirmed and probable COVID-19 cases, down 32.9% from 2,278 the previous week.
CDC Week 39 FluView Update
CDC found national flu activity increasing but still low with influenza A accounting for 97% of positive specimens.
Texas Influenza Subtypes
Of 202 positive specimens, 192 were influenza A with 33 subtyped as H1N1.
North Texas Flu Activity
North Texas recorded two influenza or influenza-like illness outbreaks during Week 39.
Reporting Lags
Dallas County reports flu data only through April 25 while Tarrant County lists Week 39 as most recent.
Last Winter's Peak
Tarrant County flu positivity reached 26.4% in late December while Dallas County had sharp rise in hospitalizations.
CDC Season Outlook
CDC predicts moderate 2026-2027 flu season with peak hospitalization burden similar to last season.
Flu and COVID Symptoms
Flu starts abruptly with fever, cough, sore throat, and body aches while COVID causes similar symptoms with loss of taste or smell.
Coinfection Risks
People can test positive for both infections simultaneously with potential for more severe illness.
Vaccine Uptake Gap
17.5% of U.S. adults received 2025-2026 COVID vaccine versus 46.5% for flu vaccine last season.
Prevention Measures
CDC recommends layers of protection including hand hygiene, masks, and early antiviral treatment for high-risk individuals.
Current Season Outlook
Flu activity rising while reported COVID cases fall with more data needed to determine winter severity.
What matters most
Texas flu positivity increased to 4.47% in Week 39 as reported COVID cases fell 32.9% from previous week.
