by Dallas, Texas — North Texas is seeing a sharp rise in influenza cases as health officials warn that the region may be heading into a particularly severe flu season. Even though January has yet to produce a full week of data, hospitals are already reporting numbers that signal growing concern, especially for children and vulnerable populations.
Doctors across the Dallas–Fort Worth area say flu activity began climbing noticeably in mid-December, aligning with both county and national data trends. Pediatric hospitals, in particular, are reporting a steady influx of young patients, many requiring intensive care as the virus spreads rapidly through communities.
Children’s hospitals report steep rise in flu cases
Health officials at Children’s Health say flu cases have climbed sharply over the past several weeks. Hospital data shows that during the week of December 14, Children’s Health recorded 673 flu cases, marking a 175% increase from the previous week. By December 21, that figure surged to 1,090 cases, a further 63% increase in just seven days.
Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, chief of infectious diseases at Children’s Health and a professor at UT Southwestern, said the spike mirrors what health officials are observing across Dallas County and the rest of the country.
“So over the last several weeks, we’ve seen a rather dramatic increase in the number of flu cases presenting to children and other parts of our Children’s Health Network,” Kahn said. “That’s consistent with what the Dallas County data is reporting and certainly consistent with the latest CDC data.”
While flu cases typically rise in December, doctors say the severity of this year’s illnesses has become a growing concern.
Dallas County flu activity remains elevated
Public health data shows influenza positivity in Dallas County at 12.8%, even though the region has not yet entered the traditional peak months of January and February. Health officials warn that case counts could continue to rise as schools reopen after winter break and families return from holiday travel.
Hospitals are also reporting a growing number of children admitted with flu-related complications, particularly those with underlying health conditions.
“We have children in our intensive care units who are being cared for who have influenza,” Kahn said. “There just seems to be a steady stream of these children because there’s so much flu activity out there.”
National flu surge mirrors North Texas trends
The rise in flu cases across North Texas reflects a broader national pattern. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, flu activity has more than doubled in multiple regions of the country, with at least 14 states reporting significant increases during the same period.
The CDC estimates that the current flu season has already resulted in 7.5 million flu-related illnesses, 81,000 hospitalizations, and 3,100 deaths nationwide, including eight children.
More alarming to health experts is the vaccination data tied to pediatric fatalities. The CDC reports that 280 children have died during the 2024–2025 flu season, and 89% of those deaths occurred in children who were not vaccinated against influenza.
“Super Flu” variant raises concerns over vaccine effectiveness
Health experts say one major factor driving this surge is a newly dominant influenza mutation that some have informally referred to as the “Super Flu.” The variant belongs to the H3N2 strain, which is known for mutating more frequently than other flu viruses.
Dr. Kahn explained that while several flu viruses circulate each season, a mutation known as Subclade K has now become the most commonly detected strain in the United States.
“Typically, each season, we see three or four flu viruses circulate,” Kahn said. “One of them is called H3N2. This mutation now makes up most of the flu viruses detected in the country.”
These genetic changes may reduce how well vaccines prevent infection, though experts stress that vaccines still provide important protection.
“So the bad news is that our vaccines may be less effective,” Kahn said. “But the good news is that the antiviral therapies that we have are readily available and still work against this particular variant.”
Families urged to take precautions as schools reopen
Doctors say holiday gatherings, increased travel, and children returning to school have created ideal conditions for viral spread. Families are being encouraged to reinforce basic prevention measures at home.
Dallas resident Omar Umanzor said he plans to remind his children to follow simple hygiene habits.
“Yeah, especially for my kids,” Umanzor said. “I always tell them to wash their hands, cover their mouth, and I like to carry hand sanitizer all the time.”
Health officials also recommend staying home when sick, seeking medical care early if symptoms worsen, and considering mask use for individuals who are immunocompromised or caring for high-risk family members.
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Doctors warn the flu season peak may still be ahead
Despite the already concerning numbers, medical experts caution that the worst of the flu season may still be coming. January and February historically bring the highest influenza activity, raising concerns about additional strain on hospitals in the weeks ahead.
Doctors continue to stress the importance of vaccination, particularly for children, seniors, pregnant individuals, and those with chronic health conditions. Antiviral medications remain effective when taken early, and families are urged not to delay seeking care.
Have flu cases impacted your family, school, or workplace this winter?
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