TYLER, Texas — Cold and flu season is upon us, and so is the seasonal surge of RSV. But this year there’s a new tool to combat the virus.
East Texas doctors say they've seen a slight uptick in RSV cases, but they expect that number to increase as we get deeper into the fall season.
Dr. Brad Robertson with Tyler Complete Care says prevention is key. That’s why doctors are urging at-risk individuals to get the RSV vaccine. That includes people ages 60 or older and expecting moms.
"One of the goals is to slow down the sheer number of diseases, but also the secondary goal being preventing the disease from moving becoming more serious a problem," Dr. Robertson said.
Jared Moore from Chapman Pharmacy in Rusk said being able to provide these vaccines to rural communities has been a game changer.
"It is a brand new vaccine, the first of its kind, just in time for the season," Moore said "That's usually where something like a vaccine like this really comes into play to help prevent those kinds of things."
RSV cases in Texas have been increasing steadily since October. Data from the Texas Department of State Health Services shows about 12% of RSV tests came back positive in the most recent reporting period.
"It's increasing and sometimes we lag behind that a little bit, but I fully expect it to be busy with those diseases," Robertson said.
Robertson pointed out RSV is the leading cause of hospitalization in children under 5.
Although the RSV vaccine for young children isn’t readily available yet, parents and guardians can consult with their child's pediatrician.