San Antonio Faces a Wave of Respiratory Illnesses This Season

News Summary

San Antonio is currently experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses, referred to as ‘The Four Horsemen’ by healthcare experts. This increase includes cases of flu, norovirus, RSV, and COVID-19, impacting families across Bexar County. As hospitalizations rise, local health professionals emphasize the importance of vaccination and preventive measures. With factors like cold weather and holiday gatherings contributing to the spread, residents are urged to stay informed and take precautions to safeguard their health and that of their community.

San Antonio Faces a Wave of Respiratory Illnesses This Season

In San Antonio, the recent months have brought a surge of respiratory illnesses, nicknamed “The Four Horsemen” by healthcare experts. This concerning trend is being felt throughout Bexar County and the wider Texas area, with families from all walks of life affected by a spike in flu, norovirus, RSV, and even COVID-19.

What’s Happening?

CDC notes that nearly 9.1 million individuals have already been affected by the flu this year alone, leading to 110 hospitalizations and a heartbreaking 5,000 deaths.

Flu Symptoms to Watch For

The flu is notorious for its unpleasant symptoms. If you’re lucky enough to avoid this virus, count your blessings! The most common signs include headache, fever, and muscle aches. Unfortunately, for some, it can become quite severe.

Norovirus: A Different Challenge

And don’t let your guard down just because flu season seems prevalent. Norovirus, which is known to cause gastroenteritis, makes its presence felt with symptoms that include vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort, usually lasting from two to three days. One local resident recently shared how the virus wreaked havoc on her system for an entire week. And if there’s one thing we can all agree on, it’s that nobody wants that!

The Business Impact

Factors Contributing to Illness

cold and dry weather, coupled with holiday gatherings and an uptick in travel, have experts pointing to these factors as pivotal in creating an environment ripe for spreading respiratory illnesses. Since December 30, the reported positive flu cases rose dramatically to 337, compared to the typical range of 100-125 cases a week before the holidays.

COVID-19 and RSV Also on the Rise

RSV and COVID-19 cases contributing to rising hospital stays. Sadly, in Texas, COVID-19 has been responsible for 250 related deaths over the last three months, adding another layer of concern for residents.

The Importance of Vaccination

Preventing Norovirus

frequent hand washing, disinfecting surfaces, and avoiding sharing utensils. We all know the drill—if you feel unwell, it’s best to stay home to protect your loved ones and the community at large.

The Surprising Return of Whooping Cough

In summary, San Antonio is grappling with an undeniable wave of illnesses. Staying informed and taking necessary precautions to protect yourself and others is vital. Let’s gear up and do our part—this season is challenging, but together we can navigate it!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

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Additional Resources

• News 4 San Antonio
• Wikipedia: Respiratory Illness
• KSAT News
• Google Search: Respiratory Illnesses San Antonio
• KENS 5 News
• Google Scholar: Norovirus South Texas
• KSAT News
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Whooping Cough
• Spectrum Local News
• Google News: COVID-19 Summer Surge