Flu: Not the gift you want this season

ROUND ROCK, Texas (KXAN) - Central Texas is right in the middle of flu season and the abnormal weather hasn't helped.

Dr. Clarence Williams II runs the Scott & White Urgent Care in Round Rock and in the pat few weeks, they have seen more and more patients come through their doors due to the flu.

"We've seen lots of people that have been diagnosed with the flu," said Dr. Williams II. "We are seeing tons of upper respiratory infections, which is just your cold viruses."

With many children playing with their new Christmas toys, playing it safe isn't a bad idea.

"When the kids are playing with the toys, wipe those off with sanitary wipes," urges Dr. Williams II.

Washing your hands often is the number one preventative measure you can take.

With Central Texas experiencing dramatic temperature changes from freezing to the 80's, viruses are spreading quickly.

"Viruses mutate and change over time, so they could be getting a lot tougher," Dr. Williams II said.

That's part of the reason this year the flu has been lasting longer than a week for many patients.

Doctors suggest building up your immune system by taking Vitamin C and Zinc.

If someone in your family gets the flu, make a sick room and only allow one person to be the caregiver.