Something’s in the air in Texas
4,700 flu cases plus RSV, COVID
Something is in the air in Texas, and it’s affecting people’s respiratory health.
There is a rise of flu cases in the state, according to the Texas Department of State Health Services.
Flu season began Oct. 1. As of a Dec. 8 state health department report, more than 4,700 positive flu cases had been collected since, with a seasonal positivity rate of 6.59% as of now. There’s concern about COVID-19 and RSV cases. Here’s what to be on the lookout for:
The flu has a higher surge this season
According to local health experts, Austin and Travis County is experiencing a rise in airborne illnesses due to unmasking and not being up to date with flu shots. The flu A strain is harming adults while flu B can be damaging to children. There is a spike in these cases because of holiday travel, said Dr. Angela Gibson, director of urgent care services and after-hours clinics for family medicine at Austin Regional Clinic.
What can people do to protect themselves from COVID-19, RSV and flu?
While these respiratory illnesses have similar symptoms, the timing of when they hit your system is key. Here are some signs to pay attention to according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Influenza, commonly known as the flu, can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Flu symptoms usually come on suddenly.
People infected with RSV usually show symptoms within four to six days after getting infected.
People with COVID-19 have had a wide range of symptoms reported — ranging from mild symptoms to severe illness. Symptoms can appear two to 14 days after exposure to the virus. Anyone can have mild to severe symptoms.
The CDC recommends staying up to date on all your vaccinations and, if you’re sick, remaining at home. Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Avoid touching your face with unwashed hands. Avoid close contact with others, such as kissing, shaking hands or sharing cups and eating utensils.
What allergens are in the air?
So-called cedar fever causes allergic reactions in many Central Texans. The tree pollen that causes it typically peaks in January to early February.
Cedar fever is not really cedar-related and doesn’t typically come with a fever. the allergy is triggered when the male Ashe juniper trees spread their pollen to the female Ashe juniper trees. It causes symptoms like stuffy nose, coughing and itchy eyes. Unlike most allergies that hit in spring, cedar fever occurs in the winter months.