Flu cases are surging in Tarrant County with an increase in positive tests and a spike in flu-related absences and hospital visits, according to Tarrant County Public Health.

TCPH has classified the outbreak as widespread, meaning a sharp increase in lab-confirmed cases across the county within the past three weeks.

As of Feb. 8, positive flu tests in Tarrant County are up 40%, leading to an 18% increase in flu-like related school absences and a 23% increase in flu-like emergency department visits, according to TCPH.

“To date, there have been 46 flu outbreaks, primarily in schools,” TCPH said in a Feb. 5 press release. “This marks a notable rise compared to the same period last year, which saw only nine reported outbreaks.”

TR nursing student Melody Peng said she recently came down with the flu and said being in the nursing department has helped her to stay informed.

“It was terrible,” Peng said. “The coughing and the fever were pretty bad. As a nursing student, we are required to have our flu shots and be up to date with everything.”

Peng said as a nursing student, she has the privilege of being well-versed in how diseases spread and wishes more was done for the students who may not be informed about the issue, especially since the flu is starting to spread.

“Wash your hands and cover your mouth,” Peng said. “Hygiene plays a big part in it. Having access to masks and sanitizers everywhere would help, and I do see that everywhere at least in my building.”

The rise in cases has prompted multiple schools in Tarrant County, including two in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District, to notify parents via email about the outbreak and how to stay safe.

The email outlined common flu symptoms, such as fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, feeling tired and a runny or stuffy nose.

It also included ways to prevent spreading the flu, such as keeping sick children home for at least 24-hours after symptoms subside, washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding the sharing of personal items like food and drinks and considering an annual flu vaccine.

The emails sent out by the middle and elementary schools contained the same information, tailored to their respective schools.

TCPH said this sharp rise in cases indicates the approach of peak flu season. Officials predict activity will drop in the weeks after the peak but will remain elevated through February and possibly into March.

While flu cases are on the rise, TCPH noted that cases of respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, a common virus that causes lung inflammation, have declined by 0.75%. Despite this decrease, TCPH urged residents to remain vigilant.

NW student Liliana Serrend said she has not gotten the flu but noted her family has been affected.

“It’s not confirmed, but my sister has been feeling sick recently,” Serrend said. “It hasn’t affected her schooling since my mother still made her go to school, but thankfully, she’s doing better.”

TCPH recommends anyone experiencing severe symptoms to call its office at 817-248- 6299 for guidance or seek medical attention. NW student Alessandro Elizondo said he wasn’t aware of the wave hitting the community and wishes more was done to inform the student population.

“I feel they [TCC] should give more to the students,” Elizondo said. “I don’t think it’s fair for students to come out here and not be aware of what’s going on. I’m going to start taking extra precautions to stay safe.”