Respiratory illnesses are on the rise across San Antonio, Bexar County and Texas.
Doctor Jason Bowling, a professor and infectious diseases specialist at UT Health San Antonio and the Chief Epidemiologist at University Health, said health officials are seeing high levels of respiratory virus activity across Texas.
Bowling said this is due to the holidays.
“There’s been a lot of exposures over the last couple of weeks that we’re starting to see the results of now,” Bowling said.
Between the weather getting colder and drier, traveling and crowded gatherings, respiratory cases are steadily rising.
In fact, Bowling said for the week of Dec. 30, University Health reported 337 positive flu cases. Before the holidays, they were seeing anywhere from 100 and 125 positive cases a week.
Flu isn’t the only respiratory illnesses being reported. RSV cases are high and Bowling said COVID-19 cases are rising. In the last three months, 250 COVID-19 related deaths have been reported across Texas, according to Bowling.
The biggest thing you can do to protect yourself and your loved ones? Get vaccinated.
“I think some people might think ‘we already have lots of respiratory viruses. It’s too late. It’s not too late,” said Bowling.
Both the flu and COVID-19 vaccine can be given to anyone six months and older.
RSV vaccines are available for all adults over 75 years of age. Those over 60 years old can receive the RSV vaccine if they have a prior medical condition.
“RSV vaccine is relatively new to us, but it’s fantastic because we don’t have an antiviral or a treatment once you get RSV,” Bowling said.
RSV vaccines are also available for pregnant women who are between 32 and 36 weeks gestation.
“That allows them [pregnant women] to develop antibodies that can pass on to their baby. So when they’re babies born during RSV season, which it is right now, they’ll be protected with some antibodies,” said Bowling.
So how do any of these vaccines actually work? Bowling said they work by putting a protein into the body that stimulates your body to make antibodies that are vital for protecting you against respiratory illnesses.
Being vaccinated doesn’t mean you won’t get sick, but it will make your sickness less severe.
“If you do get sick, it helps lower the blunt of how severe your illness is so you don’t get as sick as you would if you didn’t have those antibodies already circulating,” Bowling said.
Vaccinations are low across Texas, according to Bowling. In 2024, 18% of people got the updated COVID-19 vaccine across Texas. Only 44% got the flu vaccine.
You can find the closest clinic to you offering vaccines by clicking here.
If you think you are sick or are sick, Bowling says stay home until your fever is gone without the help of medications for at least 24 hours.
“You’re paying it forward to your colleagues either at work or at school by not going out there if you’re sick,” said Bowling.
If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms, especially at the same time, stay home and go to the doctor:
- Muscle aches
- Increased fatigue
- Fever
- Loss of smell