DSHS Syndromic Surveillance Program - Influenza Surveillance (2017)

In January 2018, many hospitals throughout Texas stated an increase of admissions due to respiratory illness. Using ESSENCE, a report of respiratory syndrome visits by region, age group, sex, and race was created. Between December 11, 2017, and January 11, 2018, respiratory related emergency department visits accounted for 17.52% of the total number of visits. Of the 31,706 total visits, 0.23% had a discharge disposition code which indicated the patient had been admitted to the hospital. Patients who were 65 and above made up 48.61% of patients whom were admitted.