What Virus Is Going Around In Texas Right Now?

If you live in Texas or are traveling there, you might be wondering what virus is going around right now. As of early 2026, the main viruses circulating in Texas are influenza A (specifically H3N2 and H1N1), COVID-19 (the JN.1 and XBB subvariants), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Norovirus is also causing outbreaks in schools and daycare centers across the state. These viruses are spreading at higher rates than usual for this time of year, and many people are catching them one after another.

What Are the Main Symptoms of These Viruses Right Now?

The symptoms depend on which virus you catch, but there is a lot of overlap. Influenza A usually comes on fast with a high fever, body aches, chills, and a dry cough. Many people also get a sore throat and headache. COVID-19 symptoms are similar but often include a loss of taste or smell, which is less common with flu.

RSV mostly affects young children and older adults. It causes a runny nose, cough, and sometimes wheezing. In healthy adults, RSV often feels like a bad cold. Norovirus is different. It causes vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. It comes on suddenly and usually passes in one to three days.

One thing doctors are noticing is that people are getting sick with one virus, recovering, and then catching another one a week later. This is not common but is happening more this season.

How Long Are People Contagious With These Viruses?

Contagious periods vary by virus. For influenza A, you are most contagious in the first three to four days after symptoms start. You can spread it to others even before you feel sick. For COVID-19, the contagious period starts two days before symptoms appear and lasts about eight to ten days for most people. Some people with weak immune systems can spread it longer.

RSV is contagious for three to eight days. People with weakened immune systems can spread it for up to four weeks. Norovirus is very contagious. You can spread it from the moment you feel sick and for up to two weeks after you recover. This is why norovirus outbreaks are hard to stop in places like schools and nursing homes.

A key point: you can spread these viruses even if you have mild symptoms or no symptoms at all. This is especially true for COVID-19 and norovirus.

What Virus Is Going Around In Texas Right Now and How Is It Different From Last Year?

The mix of viruses this year is similar to last year, but there are some differences. Last year at this time, RSV was peaking earlier and hitting children harder. This year, RSV cases are more spread out across age groups. Influenza A is the dominant strain right now, whereas last year it was more evenly split between influenza A and B.

COVID-19 cases are lower than they were two years ago but are still significant. The current subvariants are more transmissible but do not seem to cause more severe illness in vaccinated people. Norovirus is more widespread this year in Texas compared to last year. Outbreaks are being reported in more counties.

One thing that has not changed is that these viruses spread most easily in crowded indoor spaces. Texas has a lot of people moving through airports, schools, and workplaces. That keeps transmission rates high.

What Treatments Actually Work for These Viruses?

For influenza A, antiviral drugs like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can shorten the illness if taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting. They work best when started early. For COVID-19, Paxlovid is effective at reducing the risk of severe illness in high-risk people. It must be started within five days of symptoms. Both require a prescription.

For RSV, there is no specific antiviral treatment for most people. Care is supportive: rest, fluids, and fever reducers. For infants at high risk, a preventive antibody shot called nirsevimab is available. For older adults, there is a vaccine approved by the FDA.

For norovirus, there is no antiviral. The main treatment is staying hydrated. Sports drinks or oral rehydration solutions work better than plain water because they replace lost electrolytes. If you cannot keep fluids down for more than 24 hours, see a doctor.

Over-the-counter medicines can help with symptoms but do not cure the virus. Decongestants, cough suppressants, and pain relievers can make you more comfortable. Antibiotics do not work against any of these viruses.

How Can You Tell Which Virus You Have?

It is hard to tell just from symptoms because they overlap so much. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. At-home tests for COVID-19 are widely available. Some pharmacies offer combination tests that check for flu and COVID-19 at the same time. Your doctor can also order a respiratory panel that tests for flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

Norovirus is usually diagnosed by symptoms alone because the vomiting and diarrhea pattern is distinctive. Stool tests are available but are rarely needed unless the illness is severe or lasts more than a few days.

Many people assume they have one virus when they actually have another. This matters because treatments like Tamiflu only work for influenza. If you have COVID-19 and take Tamiflu, it will not help. If you have norovirus and take cold medicine, it will not stop the vomiting.

Here is a quick comparison of the main viruses:

What Should You Do If You Get Sick?

First, stay home. This is the most effective way to stop spreading the virus to others. Current guidelines say to stay home until you have been fever-free for 24 hours without using fever-reducing medicine. For norovirus, stay home until 48 hours after your last episode of vomiting or diarrhea.

Second, rest and drink fluids. Your body needs energy to fight the infection. Water, broth, and electrolyte drinks are best. Avoid alcohol and caffeine because they dehydrate you. For norovirus, sip fluids slowly. Drinking too much at once can trigger more vomiting.

Third, watch for warning signs. Shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or inability to stay awake are signs you need emergency care. So is severe dehydration: dry mouth, dark urine, dizziness when standing, or not urinating for more than eight hours.

Fourth, consider getting tested. Knowing which virus you have can help you decide if antiviral treatment is an option. It also helps you know how long to isolate.

Many people try to push through and go to work or school when sick. This is how outbreaks grow. Staying home is not just for your own recovery. It protects everyone around you.

Common Misconceptions About These Viruses

One common myth is that if you already had one of these viruses this season, you are immune to it. That is not true. You can get influenza A more than once in a season. You can also get COVID-19 again, especially with new subvariants. Immunity from infection fades over weeks to months.

Another myth is that antibiotics will help. Antibiotics kill bacteria, not viruses. Taking them for a viral infection will not help and can cause side effects like diarrhea or allergic reactions. It also contributes to antibiotic resistance.

Some people believe that vitamin C or zinc can prevent or cure these viruses. Research shows that vitamin C does not prevent colds or flu in most people. Zinc might shorten the duration of a cold if taken within 24 hours, but the evidence is not strong for these specific viruses. Do not rely on supplements alone.

A final myth is that you cannot spread the virus if you feel fine. As mentioned earlier, COVID-19 and norovirus can be spread before symptoms appear. You can be contagious and not know it.