Wondering why your cough won’t go away? This virus may be to blame. Here’s what we know

Lawrence Dow
·2 min read
4

Dealing with a persistent cough that won’t go away?

According to the Texas Respiratory Virus Surveillance report produced by the Texas Department of Health and Human Services, many Texans are suffering from respiratory viruses.

What are some of the symptoms?

Coughing, runny nose, sneezing, fever, wheezing and a decrease in appetite are some of the symptoms to watch out for.

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The respiratory virus surveillance report stated that there was a decrease in statewide visits for respiratory illnesses but still ranked Texas as having a high intensity of Influenza-like Illness.

On COVID-19 the report showed an increase in cases and fatalities but a decrease in hospitalizations.

Tarrant County’s government website says there’s widespread level of influenza activity in the county.

Widespread activity was described as increased influenza-like cases, among other factors, in at least 3 of the quadrants and recent (within the past 3 weeks) lab-confirmed influenza in the county.

In Tarrant County, the four reporting quadrants are Northwest, Northeast, Southwest and Southeast.

COVID-19, Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) have accounted for 21.6% of emergency room visits in Tarrant County as of Jan. 13.

What are the treatment options?

For COVID-19 the Center for Disease Control’s website said to stay at home for at least five days and to wear a mask for 10 days. It also says to wash hands frequently and make sure to rest and drink fluids.

For RSV the CDC says to manage fever and pain and to make sure to drink fluids and notes that infants and the elderly are at increased risk of severe RSV.

On Influenza the CDC says to stay home until at least 24 hours after your fever has passed, to stay away from others (except to seek medical care) and to wash one’s hands.