Texas emergency rooms are witnessing a surge in flu or flu-like cases, and SignatureCare Emergency Center’s board-certified ER physician, Dr. Steven Elsbecker, DO, FACEP, said this is likely going to be a long season, so Texans should consider getting flu shots if they haven't already done so.
HOUSTON, TX - If you feel like everyone you know is coming down with something, you’re not imagining it. Public health officials are witnessing a significant surge in flu cases across the country, with emergency rooms (ERs) bearing the brunt of the increase as the new year progresses.
Health officials from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and state departments, including the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), are reporting a significant surge in influenza activity that is sending thousands of Americans to the emergency room.
The CDC reported this week that Seasonal influenza activity remains elevated nationwide, and Texas has officially moved into the "very high" category for flu activity. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) show a significant increase in cases following holiday travel and gatherings.
In the final week of 2025, Texas reported nearly 25,000 flu-related emergency department visits, accounting for approximately 9% of all emergency department traffic in the state. Across the U.S., approximately 40,000 people were admitted to the hospital for the flu during the week ending January 3, a 10% increase from the previous week.
In the final week of 2025, Texas reported nearly 25,000 flu-related emergency department visits, accounting for approximately 9% of all emergency department traffic in the state.
While the elderly remain at high risk for hospitalization, doctors say they are seeing an unusual number of severe cases in previously healthy children. Nationwide, 17 pediatric deaths have been reported so far this season. Health experts believe a mutated version of the Influenza A (H3N2) virus—specifically a variant known as subclade K—is the primary culprit. This particular strain is known for causing more severe seasons.
Board-certified emergency room physician and Greater Texas Regional Medical Director for Houston, TX-based SignatureCare Emergency Center, Dr. Steven Elsbecker, DO, FACEP, confirmed this week that across the SignatureCare ER network in Texas, there has been an unprecedented surge in flu or flu-like illnesses.
“Since December 1, 2025, across SignatureCare centers, we've seen 3,784 cases of flu or flu-like illnesses. That includes both adult and pediatric patients. That works out to almost exactly 100 patients per day across SignatureCare with flu or flu-like illnesses,” he said this week.
"This is going to be a long, hard flu season. We’re seeing patients who are much more fatigued and unwell than during a typical viral season. What's most startling to us is the number and the severity of the illnesses,” Dr. Elsbecker added.
He urged Texans to stay vigilant, adding that it is not too late to get the flu shot. “Even if you haven't gotten your flu shot yet, it’s not too late. Vaccination remains the best way to prevent severe illness and hospitalization,” he said.
Dr. Elsbecker reminded Texans that staying away from work or school is the best way to stop the spread to more vulnerable neighbors.
“To prevent getting the virus, wash your hands frequently and use sanitizer. Stay home if you feel sick to prevent spreading the virus at school or work, and seek medical treatment promptly. Antiviral drugs are most effective when started within 48 hours of symptom onset,” he said.
Another board-certified emergency physician and the Medical Director of SignatureCare Emergency Center in Midland, TX, Dr. Christopher Huerta, MD, said that Influenza type A is what his physicians are seeing in the emergency rooms.
“Influenza type A is very common right now. We are still seeing a lot of RSV, parainfluenza virus, metapneumovirus, and rhinovirus infections. Occasional COVID, but more of the seasonal coronavirus. What I would tell the public is that people often go to see a physician at an Urgent Care Center or a pediatrician and are only partially tested; they may receive a flu and strep test. That is kind of worthless knowledge.
“At SignatureCare, we are doing rapid PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test that checks for 15 different viruses/bacteria, and strep. That gives a lot of information. Most people want to know exactly what they have so they can understand how to recover quickly. We also pick up on secondary infections with mycoplasma and chlamydia. We can target that treatment quickly. We are also seeing cases of transformation from influenza type A to pneumonia. These need to be treated immediately to prevent worsening pulmonary failure or sepsis,” Dr. Huerta added.
If you are feeling unwell, go to the nearest SignatureCare Emergency Center ER immediately. We are open 24/7 every day, and walk-ins are always welcome.
About SignatureCare Emergency Center
SignatureCare Emergency Center operates 24-hour emergency rooms across Texas, including Odessa, Midland, Texarkana, College Station, and Killeen, staffed by board-certified emergency physicians and licensed ER nurses. Each center is Joint Commission-certified and dedicated to delivering prompt, compassionate care for the entire family.
