San Antonio Faces Cold and Flu Season: Expert Tips for Parents and Health Precautions
Cold and flu season is in full swing, with respiratory virus activity increasing. Experts note that while San Antonio‘s adults haven’t seen significant illness yet, children are already affected.
Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist, predicts that cases will rise after the new year. He emphasizes that indoor gatherings during colder months, even in mild climates, can spread viruses. Lower humidity also facilitates the transmission of respiratory illnesses.
To reduce the risk of illness, Bowling advises vaccinations for flu, COVID-19, and RSV. He recommends wearing masks in crowded places during peak season.
Dr. Norm Christopher, the chief medical officer at CHRISTUS Children, reports a rise in emergency room visits due to respiratory viruses. He acknowledges that as the weather cools and children return to school, exposure increases. Standard advice like handwashing is not always practical for young kids, but parents should keep sick children at home and avoid social gatherings with young babies.
How can parents effectively protect their children from respiratory infections during the colder months?
Interview with Dr. Jason Bowling and Dr. Norm Christopher on the Current Cold and Flu Season
As the cold and flu season progresses, respiratory virus activity is on the rise, prompting concern among health professionals. To shed light on the situation, we spoke with Dr. Jason Bowling, an infectious disease specialist, and Dr. Norm Christopher, the chief medical officer at CHRISTUS Children.
News Directory 3: Dr. Bowling, what is the current status of respiratory illness in San Antonio, particularly among adults and children?
Dr. Jason Bowling: While adults in San Antonio have not yet experienced significant illness, we are already seeing an impact on children. The activity is increasing, and I anticipate cases will rise after the New Year. Indoor gatherings during the colder months, even in a relatively mild climate like ours, are major factors in spreading viruses.
News Directory 3: What environmental factors contribute to the increased transmission of these viruses?
Dr. Jason Bowling: One crucial factor is lower humidity during the winter months, which facilitates the transmission of respiratory illnesses. It’s important for people to be mindful of this, especially when participating in indoor events.
News Directory 3: With the rise in cases, what preventative measures do you recommend?
Dr. Jason Bowling: Vaccinations are essential—getting vaccinated for flu, COVID-19, and RSV can significantly reduce the risk of illness. Additionally, wearing masks in crowded areas during the peak season is a smart way to protect oneself and others.
News Directory 3: Dr. Christopher, can you share what you’re seeing in your clinic related to these respiratory illnesses?
Dr. Norm Christopher: We’ve indeed seen a notable rise in emergency room visits due to respiratory viruses. As the weather cools and children return to school, exposure to these viruses increases significantly. This is especially concerning for our youngest patients.
News Directory 3: What advice would you give parents regarding prevention and response to mild symptoms in their children?
Dr. Norm Christopher: While standard practices like handwashing are important, they can be challenging for young kids to follow consistently. Parents should keep sick children at home and avoid social gatherings, particularly with infants. If a child shows mild symptoms—such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, or a dry cough—it’s wise to consult a primary care physician before going to the ER.
News Directory 3: There’s been talk about at-home tests for COVID-19 and the flu. How can these be useful?
Dr. Jason Bowling: At-home tests can indeed help identify COVID-19 and flu, reducing unnecessary visits to healthcare facilities. However, I want to stress that if someone experiences severe symptoms—like shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual sleepiness—they should seek immediate medical attention.
News Directory 3: Thank you, Dr. Bowling and Dr. Christopher, for your insights during this critical time. Your guidance is invaluable as we navigate this cold and flu season.
Parents should watch for mild symptoms such as nasal congestion, a runny nose, and a dry cough. Christopher advises contacting a primary care physician before going to the ER for mild symptoms.
NPR reports that new at-home tests can help detect COVID-19 and the flu, reducing unnecessary doctor visits. However, Bowling warns that severe symptoms require immediate medical attention. Symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, or unusual sleepiness warrant a visit to a provider.