WILLIAMSON COUNTY, Texas – In mid-October, the number of confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Williamson County stands at more than 9,000 people who have been infected with the disease. As of October 14, there were 9,074 resident who have contracted the virus which became a pandemic this past spring. Of those cases, the estimate of number of people who have recovered is 8,727, with approximately 200 active cases. Total deaths in Williamson County are listed at 145, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
With influenza season beginning, health officials are asking the public to be sure to get their flu vaccines to protect themselves and loved ones. The combination of getting both viruses could be deadly especially for the elderly and those with compromised immune systems.
The Center for Disease Control and Prevention recommends annual influenza vaccinations for everyone ages six months and older. In this time of COVID-19 also circulating, the CDC states to get vaccines safely, one should practice the guidelines that have been publicized during the past six or seven months: wash hands for twenty seconds with soap and water after being in a public place and/or blowing your nose, using the restroom, after sneezing, handing one’s facial mask, after changing a diaper, caring for someone sick, and after touching animals or pets.
If soap and water is not available, a hand sanitizer with 60 percent alcohol is a good substitute. It is also recommended that one avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands, according to the CDC. Good news is that the CDC has developed tests that will detect both A and B type seasonal flu and SARS CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
The Texas Department of Health and Human Services warns the public that criminals are attempting scams both to individuals and organizations related to COVID-19. Common scams reported to the Texas Comptroller’s office include unsolicited purchase orders and requests, spoofed emails and phishing attempt, as well as impersonations of government entities via phone calls.
