New interactive dashboard shows respiratory infection data in Texas

A new interactive respiratory virus dashboard launched by the Texas Department of State Health Services shows trends in illnesses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A new interactive respiratory virus dashboard launched by the Texas Department of State Health Services shows trends in illnesses like COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

Data on the dashboard, accessible through DSHS's Texas Health Data site, includes emergency room visits, hospitalizations and deaths.

“Those data points demonstrate the diseases’ most severe effects on people, communities and the health care system,” said DSHS Commissioner Jennifer Shuford, MD, MPH. “The dashboard provides a near real-time look at conditions, so people can make informed decisions on precautions for themselves and their families, and health care professionals can make recommendations to their patients.”

DSHS also started publishing a new weekly respiratory virus surveillance report, which combines separate reports on the flu, COVID and RSV.

According to DSHS, the report contains more in-depth data on the three diseases including information on the burden of influenza-like illness, counties where different types of flu have been found, and the proportions of COVID-19 variants present in Texas.

Respiratory virus season runs from October to May and usually peaks in the winter, but the viruses are always circulating, so there is a risk of infection at any time of year.

DSHS said getting immunized against respiratory viruses is a good way for people to protect themselves against the severe disease, hospitalization and death they can cause. People can also help keep respiratory viruses from spreading by washing their hands frequently with soap and water, covering coughs and sneezes, and staying home when they are sick.