AUSTIN (KXAN) — Influenza cases reached their highest activity levels in the last 15 years this month, and Texas emergency department visits are also heightened, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Looking at statewide data, overall respiratory illness activity is classified as “moderate” in Texas, lower than the high respiratory levels when comparing overall national data. Influenza and COVID-19 activity are both elevated across the U.S., while respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) transmissions are on the decline nationally.
Zeroing in on the Lone Star State, CDC data found COVID-19 and RSV ER visits were low and decreasing as of Feb. 21, while flu levels remained high but were on the downturn. Those flu visits peaked in early February, when 11.19% of Texas ER visits were related to the flu, according to the CDC.
RSV-related visits have remained low overall in Texas this season, peaking at around 1.4% of all visits as of December. Within the past year and a half of reporting, the CDC data found COVID-19-related visits saw their highest figures in August 2024, at just shy of 4%.
Within both Travis and Williamson counties, their ERs are reporting very low COVID-19 and RSV-related visits, while flu visits have dropped into the moderate level, CDC data determined.
Baylor Scott & White Health confirmed their clinics and facilities continue to treat many patients needing care for respiratory illnesses, on trend with national levels.
“As has been widely reported, communities across the country have seen a winter virus season with a large number of cases of respiratory illnesses such as influenza,” a spokesperson said in an email to KXAN. “While the overall number of cases has declined from the peak earlier this month, there are still many patients needing care.”
The spokesperson added those seeking care can also utilize Baylor Scott & White’s virtual health services, including video-based appointments and eVisits that offer diagnoses via a digital questionnaire. Those resources are available by texting “BETTER” to 88408 to access the MyBSWHealth app.
Per the CDC, both Travis and Williamson counties’ wastewater viral activities levels were as follows:
- COVID-19 levels: moderate
- Flu levels: high
- RSV levels: low
The Texas Department of State Health Services also tracks respiratory activity levels in Texas, with weekly updates. Feb. 21 reporting found a weekly positivity rate of 27% for the flu, with an overall season-to-date positivity rate listed at just over 20%.
On the RSV front, DSHS data found positive RSV tests peaked in December and have been on the downturn since, with a current positivity rate of 7.64% as of Feb. 21 reporting. Based on that same timeframe, COVID-19 cases decreased by roughly 19% compared to the previous reporting week’s figures, DSHS data determined.
When to go to urgent care or an emergency room
Both urgent care facilities and ERs feature after-hours care, but emergency rooms are best utilized in emergency scenarios.
Texas Children’s said urgent care clinics are optimal for the following health situations:
- Flu and COVID-19 tests
- Allergic reaction
- Asthma
- Cough, cold or congestion
- Ear pain
- Fever in infants older than 8 weeks
- Pink eye
- Rash
- Skin infections
- Minor burns and injuries
- Sore throat
- Sprains and strains
- Vomiting and diarrhea
Meanwhile, an ER is the safest choice if you are experiencing any of the following health conditions:
- Bleeding that won’t stop
- Extensive cuts and lacerations
- Fainting or head injury that includes loss of consciousness, disorientation
- Loss or change in vision
- Major fractures
- Seizures without a previous epilepsy diagnosis
- Serious burns
- Snake bites
- Spinal injuries
- Sudden alterations in one’s mental health or mental state
- Sudden onset of shortness of breath or breathing issues
- Vomiting or coughing up blood
