Flu 'widespread' in Texas

DALLAS (KXAN) - The Texas Department of State Health Services says a preliminary report shows flu is "widespread" across the state.

Department spokesman Doug McBride said Tuesday that it's assumed that most of that flu is the H1N1 strain, also known as swine flu.

Widespread — the highest classification — means there have been reports of an increase in flulike illnesses and lab-confirmed flu cases in at least half of the state's regions.

The seasonal flu shot is available now. The swine flu vaccine should be available by mid-October but will first be given to high-risk groups.

McBride says both shots are recommended as it's expected the cases of seasonal flu will increase.