Doctor speaks to rise in respiratory viruses in San Antonio

Saint Anthony – A high number of flu cases is normal this time of year in South Texas, but lately doctors in San Antonio are treating and seeing more patients with RSV or COVID-19.

“It’s because of indoor activities rather than outdoor activities. It’s because…compared to two years ago, we haven’t seen much of any of this,” said emergency physician Dr. Robert Frolichstein.

He broke down the current rise in respiratory tract infections affecting San Antonio residents.

“We see a lot of upper respiratory tract infections. Typically they are, you know, I would say four to six weeks ago it was mostly RSV and flu and a bit of COVID mixed in,” Frolichstein said.

He explained that more patients are being seen for illnesses related to the virus, but among them there are fewer cases of influenza. However, they are monitoring COVID-19 infections.

“They are not as severe or a high percentage of cases as we are seeing now. COVID is going up a bit, but again it’s not a particularly serious disease, which is great news,”

Symptoms between COVID-19, influenza and RSV are similar. Over-the-counter medications and home remedies are safe for pain relief.

Frolichstein says to keep in mind if you have the most recent COVID-19 or flu vaccines. It will not relieve the uncomfortable symptoms of respiratory infections.