According to Uvalde Memorial Hospital Chief Executive Officer / Administrator  Adam Apolinar, this year’s flu season is underway and medical providers are seeing a more cases of the flu during this season than the last two years.

In addition to the flu virus being spread, RSV and other respiratory illnesses are a concern. Getting vaccinated against the flu, wearing a face mask while in public and staying hydrated are three defenses against the flu.

He explained to those attending the Rotary Club of Uvalde meeting that flu seasons during the Covid-19 pandemic were mild. Apolinar attributed the decline in the number of flu cases to the wearing of face masks.

Because flu viruses tend to spread water droplets  from sneezing, cloth masks were more effective in stopping the spread of the virus in contrast to the Covid-19 virus which which did not depend on water vapor to spread.

According to Apolinar,  the N-95 masks offered the most effective protection against Covid-19 in comparison to cloth masks.

In addition to getting the flu short and wearing a face mask, he talked about the importance of drinking plenty of water and staying hydrated during the flu season as water helps the body flush out contaminants.

“ For the past few years, the flu was held in check but it’s making a comeback, according to a pediatrician with the Children’s Hospital of San Antonio.

At the same time, RSV, strep and other illnesses are going around.

Courtney Smith, a pediatrician at The Children’s Hospital Of San Antonio, said her clinic is seeing more children and adults coming in sick with the flu,” from a KSAT report on Flu cases in San Antonio.

CDC tracking shows where flu levels are highest in the country. (Map: CDC)