Austin and COVID, Flu, Allergies: What’s circulating?

Austin — High levels of COVID-19 have been reported in Austin, Texas, as the respiratory condition continues to see a surge during summer. However, COVID-19 is not the only concern gripping the local area. As per the local health experts, a slew of symptoms that point towards some form of respiratory illness are being observed among residents.

The Unusual Surge in Respiratory Illnesses

Rannon Ching, president and chief pharmacy officer at a local pharmacy, highlighted an outcrop of symptoms that include congestion, coughing, running nose, and sneezing. “It could be the cold. It could be the flu or COVID, but not always do patients test positive for these respiratory illnesses when they get tested or visit their doctor,” he stated.

According to Ching, the recent rainstorms and the deposit of Saharan dust in the greater Austin area might be the culprits behind this rise of respiratory conditions as they foster more allergens in the air. This intensification in the presence of allergens subsequently impacts people’s respiratory systems, causing the onset of symptoms.

Role of Seasons and Allergens

It is typical for cold and flu seasons to start in the fall and intensify during the winter months. But with the addition of COVID-19 to the mix over the past few years, an uptick in respiratory illnesses has become common during summer. Austin is no different in this regard.

“It seems to be kind of normalizing where we’re seeing this twice-a-year kind of illness,” said Ching. “And then especially in Austin, when you factor in the allergies and the cedar, sometimes it feels like it’s all year-round.”

Advice to the Public

Austin Public Health also suggested that the public elect for multiple COVID-19 tests if they present any respiratory symptoms. Although an initial test might yield a negative result, symptoms can develop over multiple days, leading to a positive result upon subsequent tests.

“Symptoms may develop over several days, and your initial test may be negative; however, a repeat test in 24 to 48 hours may be positive,” Dr. Desmar Walkes, medical director and health authority for Austin/Travis County, stated.

Preventative Steps

Walkes also advised residents to seek medical attention when respiratory symptoms develop so that treatment can start promptly. For those who are sick, it’s recommended that they stay at home until their symptoms improve and, if they have a fever, they don’t go out in public until it’s been 24 hours fever-free without the assistance of fever-reducing medications.

Outside of these everyday measures, influenza and updated COVID-19 vaccines will become available at pharmacies this fall. Both health professionals encouraged people to stay updated with these vaccines and get them as early as possible – so it doesn’t coincide with the back-to-school season, thereby benching the risk of acquiring and spreading the viruses.

“Try to get your preventative vaccines as soon as possible, whether it be flu or COVID,” Ching encouraged, also suggesting enhanced hygiene and distance practices for those who might have contracted an illness. “Try to wash your hands if someone’s sick. Just try to keep your distance if you can, and all the normal preventative things.”