Why some people are still getting the flu in late spring

Late spring usually means warmer weather and fewer sniffles, but this year a surprising number of people in North Texas are still getting the flu. Health officials say cases are rising when they normally drop off. One man, Jeremy Gomez, thought his allergy was flaring up at first. His voice changed, he felt wheezy, and before long he was coughing nonstop and running a fever. He only realized it might be the flu when his girlfriend suggested buying medicine labeled for that illness. Doctors say this late-season flu surge isn’t common. The latest CDC numbers show hospital visits for the flu jumped by nearly 3% in one week, with almost 1, 500 admissions. Dallas County saw a 50% spike in positive tests, while Tarrant County had an 8% increase. Experts point to low vaccination rates as one reason the virus keeps spreading. A flu shot won’t always stop you from catching the virus, but it can make the illness shorter or milder.Doctors recommend avoiding sick people and crowded spaces where coughing is common. Masks can help, especially when flu activity is high. Keeping hands clean—either with soap or sanitizer—cuts the chance of infection. Daily habits like sleep, exercise, and avoiding smoking also strengthen the body’s defenses. If symptoms like fever or wheezing appear, a quick doctor’s visit can confirm whether it’s the flu or something else. Different illnesses need different treatments, so getting the right diagnosis matters. For next year, doctors suggest getting the flu shot in early fall, before the season really starts.