In addition to springtime seasonal allergies, people are suffering complications from that like hay fever, and skin rashes. Some are also feeling even worse with lots of upper respiratory infections across the area.

As you’re preparing to gather this holiday, could you be inviting flu, COVID or RSV into your home?

According to the City of Houston Health Department, Flu cases have been trending upward over the past three weeks.

Each year’s new flu shot promises to give you the best protection against the strains of the current season, but experts say it can also help years down the line.

There are a few big reasons to take care of yourself this season. Here's what you need to know

Texas and Washington D.C, are the only two parts of America spiking on the CDC weekly flu chart right now.

WHAT’S GOING AROUND?

In the last week, a majority of states saw a rise in COVID-19 and flu cases. Some are even turning back to mask recommendations.

RSV is highly contagious and can spread like a wildfire through local communities; in some cases, forcing early learning centers to shut their doors. RSV usually circulates from late December to mid-February. But this year, an early spike in cases is resulting in markedly higher numbers of infections and hospitalizations. More importantly, RSV infections among young children and now older adults are filling many U.S. hospitals to capacity.

The Galveston County Health District announced Tuesday the first flu-related pediatric death in the county this year.

Locally and nationwide, bed capacity at hospitals is a concern.

Covid, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are together driving a national wave of respiratory illnesses.

Harris County Public Health Department said they were not expecting to see this volume of viruses for at least a month.

RSV and the flu are hitting the pediatric population hard right now.

Alzheimer’s disease affects more than six million people living in the U.S., with the number of affected individuals growing due to the nation’s aging population.

According to the Houston Health Department, ER visits for flu-like illnesses are up, particularly among children.

Flu cases are high right now.

COVID cases among kids are down but Flu and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) are on the rise.

Judge KP George encourages Fort Bend residents to receive their annual influenza vaccination, and is also encouraging eligible residents to get their COVID-19 booster while supplies are available.

The Center for Disease Control recommends getting the flu shot in September or October. However, one local researcher says the virus is spreading now in Houston and people shouldn’t wait.

What’s going around? Common symptoms you may be feeling right now

We’re already several days into fall, which means it’s time for gratuitous pumpkin spice-flavored products and, of course, your flu shot.

There are a few factors that make us vulnerable to a bad flu season, and the main reason could be that people aren’t wearing masks like they did this time last year.

Here are some key highlights of how the Spanish flu ultimately ended, and how it might correlate to the COVID-19 pandemic. History says the Spanish flu lasted from February 1918 until April 1920, but there wasn’t a definitive statement that the pandemic was over, according to Time. Of course, by then, the Spanish flu did unspeakable damage, infecting 500 million people and killing 50 million. With technology and research being nowhere close to what it is now, there was no waiting around for a vaccine to help quell the Spanish flu. That might have been the case with the Spanish flu, as people’s tolerance to the disease and willingness to social distance, wash hands and wear masks throughout increased.

The advertiser paid a fee to promote this sponsored article and may have influenced or authored the content. The views expressed in this article are those of the advertiser and do not necessarily reflect those of this site or affiliated companies. HOUSTON – This flu season brings with it a whole new set of challenges as we continue to also fight the spread of COVID-19. But we can all do our part to keep Houston healthy and safe, and it starts with getting a flu shot. So we want to help you get the answers you need to know about the flu and COVID-19–please enter your question below and your questions could get answered on Houston Life.

The CDC recommends the annual flu vaccine for everyone six months and older. We checked the price for the flu vaccine at more than 10 pharmacies and medical clinics to find the least expensive options for you. Remember, if you have insurance, your flu shot is free. Here is a list of participating locations:UT Physicians Multispecialty - The Heights925 N. ShepherdHouston, TX 77008UT Physicians Family Practice - Bayshore11452 Space Center Blvd. Houston, TX 77059UT Physicians Family Practice - Bellaire5420 Dashwood, Suite 100Houston, TX 77081UT Physicians Multispecialty - Bellaire6700 W. Loop South, Suite 520Bellaire, TX 77401UT Physicians Multispecialty - Cinco Ranch23923 Cinco Ranch Blvd.

(AP) – How can I tell the difference between the flu and COVID-19? Another difference: COVID-19 is more likely than the flu to cause a loss of taste or smell. Both the flu and coronavirus spread through droplets from the nose and mouth. These “superspreader events” are more common with COVID-19 than flu, Solomon said. Preventing the flu starts with an annual flu shot tailored to the strains of the flu virus that are circulating.

HOUSTON National health experts are worried about what they call a twindemic this season. Health experts said they are concerned that flu season and COVID-19 pandemic could collide this year. Infectious Disease Specialist William Schaffner, MD, recommends getting the vaccine between mid-September and early November. Doctors added that even if you do get sick despite getting the vaccine it will be less severe. Experts say that this years flu vaccine will protect against four strains of the flu instead of three as in previous years.

Across the Texas Medical Center, 18% of all ICU beds are being used by COVID-19 patients and 43% from non-COVID-19 patients. While they are still waiting to see a possible surge in cases, Houston Methodist Hospital said they're down 75% in the emergency room department. “Hospitals are very well equipped in separating patients with suspected COVID versus the other emergencies that we have dealt with,” Zoghbi said. Even the CDC is reporting flu data comparisons from 2019 to 2020 should be interpreted with caution because they say people staying home during this pandemic are prohibiting them from keeping an accurate count of flu cases. On the other hand, Shane Magee, MD, from Kelsey-Seybold Clinic said flu cases are simply down this year.

COLDSPRING, Texas – Classes are cancelled Friday in Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated ISD after a big spike in flu cases, the district’s Facebook page said. The district said it's had "excessive absences" related to the flu. The district will be closed this Friday, Feb. 14, because of excessive absences due to the flu. Beginning tomorrow... Posted by Coldspring-Oakhurst Consolidated Independent School District on Wednesday, February 12, 2020All after-school activities through Monday, Feb. 17, will be rescheduled or cancelled, the district’s Facebook said. The district’s Facebook page said classes will resume next Tuesday.

HOUSTON – An infant in Harris County has died from the flu. Harris County Public Health officials said Monday the baby’s death is the first death of a child in the county this flu season, which started in October. “This is a somber reminder of the danger flu poses to our residents, especially those who are more vulnerable to develop serious flu complications,” said Dr. Umair A. Shah, executive director of Harris County Public Health. “We urge residents to get a flu shot and protect themselves and their loved ones.”Symptoms of the flu include fever, chills, coughing, a sore throat, a runny or stuffy nose, aches and fatigue. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 19 children across the country have died from the flu so far this season.