Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) is a highly contagious respiratory illness that affects the lungs and breathing passages. While the infection often presents as a mild, cold-like illness in healthy adults and older children, it can lead to serious complications for vulnerable populations, including infants and older individuals. RSV is one of the most frequent causes of hospitalization in babies under one year old, making seasonal awareness a public health priority. Understanding the specific timing of the annual outbreak is important for Texas residents to take appropriate preparatory measures.
Defining the RSV Season in Texas
The RSV season is the period when the virus follows a predictable pattern of high circulation each year. In Texas, increased activity typically begins in the early fall, often starting in September or October. This annual cycle usually extends through the following spring, often concluding around March or April, which is a longer period than in many northern states.
The peak of the RSV season in Texas most frequently occurs between December and January, though the exact timing can fluctuate annually. Public health officials formally determine the season’s onset using a specific metric: the first of two consecutive weeks during which the mean percentage of specimens testing positive for RSV antigen exceeds 10%. Tracking this data is important because the season’s start and end dates directly influence recommendations for preventative treatments.
Texas’s size and varied climate zones mean the RSV season does not always begin or peak uniformly across the state. Regions along the Gulf Coast may experience different timelines compared to the Panhandle or the Upper Rio Grande Valley. Local public health data should be consulted for the most accurate information regarding current virus circulation. Furthermore, the virus circulation patterns have shown the potential for variability, as evidenced by unusual interseasonal activity observed in some years.
Recognizing Symptoms and Identifying High-Risk Groups
In older children and adults, RSV typically causes mild signs that mimic a common cold, such as a congested or runny nose, a dry cough, a sore throat, and sometimes a low-grade fever. These milder cases usually resolve within one to two weeks, requiring only supportive care like rest and hydration.
The infection can spread to the lower respiratory tract, leading to conditions like bronchiolitis or pneumonia. Signs of a more serious infection include wheezing, a persistent and severe cough, and difficulty breathing. In infants, severe symptoms can manifest as short, shallow, and rapid breaths, or a visible pulling inward of the chest muscles and skin with each breath, known as chest wall retractions.
Infants may also show non-specific signs of severe illness, such as unusual tiredness, irritability, or poor feeding. A bluish color around the lips or fingernails, known as cyanosis, indicates critically low oxygen levels and requires immediate medical attention. Recognizing these severe symptoms is particularly important for those who fall into high-risk categories.
The populations at the highest risk for developing severe RSV disease include:
- Infants under six months of age, especially those born prematurely.
- Children under two with chronic lung disease or congenital heart disease.
- Adults 65 years and older.
- Individuals with chronic heart or lung conditions.
- Individuals with weakened immune systems.
Essential Strategies for Prevention
Frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds is an effective measure to reduce transmission. It is also helpful to regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, toys, and shared electronic devices.
Minimizing exposure is a significant strategy, especially for high-risk individuals, by avoiding close contact with anyone who shows cold-like symptoms. Since school-aged children often introduce the virus into the home, caution should be exercised when they interact with very young infants or older adults.
Immunizations and antibody products offer targeted protection for the most vulnerable groups.
Protection for Infants
For infants, a monoclonal antibody product called Nirsevimab (Beyfortus) is recommended as a single injection for those under eight months old entering their first RSV season. This product provides passive immunity by supplying the body with antibodies to help prevent severe illness.
Another option to protect infants is the RSV vaccine recommended for pregnant individuals. When administered between 32 and 36 weeks of gestation, the maternal vaccine allows protective antibodies to pass to the developing fetus. This transfer provides the newborn with protection for the first several months of life, covering the period when they are most susceptible to severe disease.
Protection for Older Adults
Older adults also have access to approved RSV vaccines, which are recommended for those aged 60 and older. These vaccines help protect against severe outcomes like pneumonia and hospitalization. Consulting with a healthcare provider can determine the most appropriate preventative measure for any individual or their family members.