Health officials update features and content on respiratory illness dashboard

Changes coincide with uptick in virus activity in Texas

The Texas Department of State Health Services has updated its Interactive Respiratory Disease Dashboard to include updated hospitalization reporting and more visual features. The dashboard, which launched in January, also includes data on emergency department visits and deaths from influenza, COVID-19 and RSV and is accessible through DSHS's Texas Health Data site.

Texans and health care professionals can use the dashboard to inform health care decisions. In addition to the dashboard, DSHS publishes a weekly Texas Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report with laboratory results, outpatient influenza-like illness surveillance, regional and county-level data, and more.

"These great tools help us show you what is happening regarding respiratory illnesses in your community with data and easy-to-follow visuals," said DSHS Chief State Epidemiologist Varun Shetty, MD, MBA, MS. "Our goal is to empower you with the information you need to stay safe this season."

Respiratory virus season traditionally runs from October to May, and DSHS recommends Texans get immunized to protect themselves and their families from severe illness, hospitalization and even death.

As the year-end holidays approach and Texans gather with friends and family, common-sense practices like washing hands often with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying at home when sick can help stop or slow the spread of respiratory illness in our communities.

Influenza, RSV, COVID-19 and the common cold traditionally increase in frequency this time of year. Texas is now experiencing an increase in positive RSV tests and more visits to emergency departments and hospitalizations, particularly among young children ages 0-4. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends RSV immunization for adults 75 and older and adults 60-74 who may be at increased risk of severe illness if infected. Vaccines are also available for infants and for expecting mothers.

Texas is also seeing a rise in emergency department visits due to influenza-like illnesses and positive flu tests. Last week, Texas ILI activity increased to 'moderate' with some neighboring states, including Louisiana, reporting 'high' levels of ILI. Flu vaccination is still the best defense against flu illness and hospitalization.

The weeks following Thanksgiving have traditionally seen an increase in COVID-19 activity. Updated COVID-19 vaccines are available now.

To find a flu, RSV or COVID-19 vaccine near you, visit vaccines.gov.

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(News Media Contact: [email protected])