Imagine going to the doctor and learning that you have a respiratory infection that doesn’t have a name yet. Scary right? That’s a real life situation that is currently all too real for many Texas teens and adults. A family member of mine became sick a few weeks ago, so we decided to get her tested for Covid and the flu. To our surprise, the doctor came with news that although the symptoms she showed are similar to the common viruses, this was actually a new respiratory virus that has not been named yet.
During the rise of Covid, people were overly cautious of their surroundings, wearing mask, carrying sanitizer, social distancing. Somewhere between then and now, those precautions became a thing of the past with a growing number of people becoming careless of the matter. Although Covid numbers are down since 2020, most people don’t realize it is still a public health scare. Just recently in January there was another wave of new dominant COVID variants called Delta and JN.1. After much research and observation, the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) made a public statement about the JN.1 variant. “There is no evidence that JN.1 causes more severe disease, but it’s rapid spread suggests it is either more transmissible or better at evading the immune system than other circulating variants.” It is described as a highly mutated variant of covid with identical symptoms including coughing, runny nose, and body aches. Doctors encourage Texans to get their vaccines and Covid boosters to help avoid catching JN.1 or any other variant that may be spreading. For some reason, however, the sound of a respiratory virus that has mutated multiple times over the course of three years isn’t enough of a scare for Texans to realize they’re still at risk of falling ill to nearly avoidable communicable sicknesses. Flu season in Texas typically lasts from October until May. The fact that a simple runny nose could be the symptom of your allergies acting up from the weather, or a physically debilitating sickness capable sending us to meet our maker is a major scare that should be taken seriously.
The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has taken action since the Covid outbreak to keep the public informed of public health issues. Their website offers weekly updates of covid-related emergencies, deaths, and hospitalizations. This tool has helped many communities stay knowledgeable and proactive. It was a huge relief when the Covid shut-down finally ended and we were able to reunite with friends and family in public places again. When reviewing the records DSHS has shared over the years, it’s easy to see that the decision to reunite has resulted in an influx of evolved cases affecting people of all ages. The sad part is realizing how many lives could have been saved if those who were unknowingly carrying these illnesses would have simply stayed home or worn a mask while they exhibited symptoms. Covid numbers being down are just an illusion of safety in a time when flu, JN.1 and unnamed viruses are on an undeniable rise.
Respiratory infections are still posing a threat to everyone, especially young children, the elderly and those with weakened immune systems who can’t recover as easily. So yes, it’s been three years since Covid took over, but please stay safe, wear your masks, and stay home as much as possible.
