Respiratory Diseases

Respiratory diseases are illnesses such as rhinovirus (common cold), influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and pneumococcal disease that affect your lungs and airways. Severity of illness can range from moderate discomfort to life-threatening illness and death. It is estimated that at least 1 million people were hospitalized and more than 70,000 died in 2024 from respiratory virus illnesses.

Many respiratory diseases are caused by viruses, although some are caused by bacteria. These illnesses can progress to become serious lung infections, such as pneumonia. Common symptoms of respiratory disease are runny or stuffy nose, new loss of taste or smell, sore throat, cough, headache, fever, muscle aches, fatigue, and weakness. Those most at risk for severe disease are adults over age 65, children younger than age 2, persons with underlying medical conditions or weakened immune system, and pregnant people.

The best way to prevent respiratory illnesses are to stay up to date with immunizations, which are available for most seasonal viruses (influenza, COVID-19 and RSV); practice good hand hygiene; stay home when you are sick; and seek treatment promptly if you are at higher risk for severe disease.

Respiratory viruses do have a seasonal component, and hospitalization rates due to respiratory disease tends to be highest during the winter months. This could be because people are indoors more and sharing airspace. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, COVID-19 hospitalizations typically peak in late December or early January. Influenza activity also typically peaks between December and February. The RSV national peak tends to occur in late December or early January, but different regions can experience peaks earlier.

Austin Public Health prepares a weekly respiratory illness report to track the intensity and spread of the most common viruses – influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. The report is located here, Flu (Influenza) in Austin | AustinTexas.gov. You can also find out where to get a flu shot in Austin by using the Flu Vaccine Locator, here: Find pharmacies near you

Flu in Austin (Influenza)

Influenza, known as “the flu,” is a contagious respiratory illness caused by a virus. Most people will have mild illness, but some cases can result in hospitalization or even death.

Flu Trends in Austin-Travis County

ILI stands for influenza-like illness, which is defined as a fever ≥100° F with a cough and/or sore throat.

Austin-Travis County influenza surveillance does not capture all cases of influenza or influenza-like illness. Reporting of seasonal influenza is voluntary. These data should be used for trending purposes over time and for identifying types/strains of influenza that are occurring in the Austin area rather than for estimating the total number of cases.

Flu Symptoms

You may be contagious from one day before and up to seven days after becoming sick. Influenza may present the following symptoms:

Sudden onset
Fever or chills
Cough, sore throat
Runny or congested nose
Muscle or body aches
Headache
Severe fatigue

What To Do If You're Sick

Use over-the-counter medications like ibuprofen or cough syrup to relieve symptoms. Rest in bed and drink lots of fluids. If you contact your doctor within 48 hours of symptom onset, you may be able to take an antiviral drug, which will reduce the severity of symptoms and length of the illness.

Seek immediate medical attention if a child has trouble breathing, has a bluish skin color, or is not waking up or interacting. Seek immediate medical attention if an adult has difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, sudden dizziness or confusion, is severely or persistently vomiting, or improves but then gets worse.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends prompt treatment for people who have flu or suspected flu and who are at higher risk of serious flu complications.

Flu Vaccination

The CDC recommends that everyone six months of age and older receive a flu vaccine annually to reduce the risk of influenza and potentially serious complications. High-risk individuals include:

Adults over 65
Pregnant women
People with chronic medical conditions
Health care workers
Individuals who live with and/or care for high-risk individuals

Where to Get Vaccinated

Flu shots are available at Shots for Tots/Big Shots clinics for children who are uninsured or Medicaid recipients, and for uninsured adults. The cost of the flu vaccine is $25 for adults, $10 for children, and free for children with Medicaid. To schedule an appointment, please call 512-972-5520.

For those who are insured, visit Vaccines.gov to find a location with flu vaccine near you.

Download a flyer on flu vaccines in English | español | Tiếng Việt | 中文 (简体).

Additional Flu Prevention

In addition to the flu vaccine, there are certain preventative measures an individual can take to prevent the flu:

Wash your hands often with soap and water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if soap is unavailable
Cough and sneeze into your sleeve or into a tissue
Avoid touching your nose, mouth, and eyes
Avoid others who are sick
Stay home if you are sick

Austin-Travis County Influenza Surveillance

The official flu season began on Sept. 28, 2025. The information below contains data through Nov. 1, 2025:

Weekly Report

Flu activity in Texas is minimal. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) did not report national flu activity levels this past week.
There have been no adult influenza-associated deaths reported this season in Travis County.
No influenza-associated outbreaks in schools or long-term care facilities have been reported this season in Travis County.