FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 23, 2018
India Ogazi | (832) 548 5112

 

Legacy Community Health Urges Precaution against Widespread Flu in Houston Region

HOUSTON – Legacy Community Health, Houston’s largest community health system with 33 clinics in the region, today reported a significant uptick in cases of the flu this season. The health center diagnosed 735 patients with flu in December 2017 compared to just 34 in December 2016. A surge in flu cases is also being reported by other health care providers in the region.

“Given its ferocity, people need to take this season’s flu seriously,” said Dr. Ann Barnes, Legacy’s chief medical officer. “The increase we’ve seen in confirmed flu cases is massive. So do what your mom taught you: wash your hands often. And get a flu shot – it’s not too late. This is particularly true for pregnant women, children, the elderly, and those with chronic illness.”

Although the current strain of the virus, H3N2, is difficult to vaccinate against, the flu shot remains important. Peak flu season is yet to come. Legacy pharmacies in Montrose and Fifth Ward remain stocked with the anti-viral Tamiflu.

 

Legacy Community Health, a not-for-profit Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), provides comprehensive care to over 150,000 community members, regardless of their ability to pay, at 33 clinics in Southeast Texas. The agency provides adult primary care, pediatrics, OB/GYN and maternity, behavioral health, HIV/AIDS care, and dental/vision.

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