SignatureCare Emergency Center’s Board-certified emergency physician, Dr. Adolfo Alvino, MD, urges Texas parents to get their families vaccinated.
HOUSTON, Oct. 8, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As flu season gets underway across Texas, Dr. Adolfo Alvino, MD, a board-certified emergency physician at SignatureCare Emergency Center, is reminding parents that one of the most important ways to protect their families is to make sure everyone who is eligible gets a flu vaccine.
He urges parents to learn what to do when someone in the household gets sick.
On October 1, 2026, Texans observed Texas Influenza Awareness Day, which highlights the importance of preparing for the influenza season. The Texas Department of State Health Services recommends annual flu vaccination for everyone 6 months of age and older.
“Flu can move quickly from one person to another, especially in households with children,” said Dr. Alvino, MD. “Parents can take some simple steps now to protect their families. Getting the flu vaccine, teaching children to wash their hands, covering coughs and sneezes, and keeping children home when they are sick, can all help reduce the spread of influenza.”
Flu is more than just a bad cold. While many people recover without complications, influenza can sometimes cause serious illness. Young children, adults 65 and older, pregnant women, and people with certain chronic health conditions are at greater risk for complications from the flu.
Flu symptoms often come on suddenly. A person with influenza may develop a fever or chills, cough, sore throat, runny or stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headache, and significant tiredness. Children may also experience vomiting and diarrhea. Not everyone with the flu will have a fever.
“The symptoms can vary, particularly in children,” Dr. Alvino said. “Parents should pay attention to how their child is acting and whether the child is improving or not. If you have concerns, contact your child’s healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room.”
Influenza spreads primarily through respiratory droplets from an infected person’s coughs, sneezes, or talks, and Dr. Alvino cautioned sick people to stay home and limit contact with others, especially those at higher risk of serious illness.
“For people at higher risk of complications, early medical attention can be particularly important. Prescription antiviral medications are available for influenza and are most effective when treatment begins within 48 hours of symptom onset,” he added.
He said that not every case of flu requires an emergency room visit.
“Parents may understandably become concerned when a child develops a high fever, persistent cough, or other flu symptoms. However, not every case of influenza requires an ER visit. People with mild symptoms who are otherwise doing well can often recover at home with rest, fluids, and close monitoring,” Dr. Alvino said.
He said it is important to visit an ER when symptoms are severe, rapidly worsening, or suggest that a more serious medical problem may be developing.
“Parents know their children better than anyone,” Dr. Alvino said. “If your child has serious symptoms, is getting worse, or you believe something is not right, don’t wait to seek medical attention,” he added.
About SignatureCare Emergency Center
SignatureCare Emergency Center provides emergency medical care for patients throughout Texas, including Odessa, Midland, Texarkana, College Station, Killeen, Plano, and Frisco. Its emergency care teams are available to evaluate and treat patients with serious illnesses and injuries, including those requiring immediate medical attention.
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SOURCE SignatureCare Emergency Center
