Rising Respiratory Illnesses: How to Stay Safe During High-Risk Season

As the calendar flips to late April in Austin, Texas, the city’s iconic live music venues and food truck parks aren’t the only things heating up—so are the waiting rooms at Dell Children’s Medical Center and the walk-in clinics dotting South Congress Avenue. Even as Austinites trade their winter boots for flip-flops, public health officials in Curitiba, Brazil, have just sounded a sobering alarm: the city has entered a period of “high risk” for respiratory diseases, a warning that carries eerie parallels for Central Texas as temperatures here start their seasonal dip and indoor gatherings develop into more frequent. The timing isn’t coincidental—it’s a global pattern, and Austin is no exception.

Curitiba’s alert, issued by the city’s Municipal Health Secretariat on April 28, 2026, marks the official start of what local officials call the “high-risk period” for influenza and other respiratory illnesses. The announcement isn’t just bureaucratic jargon; it’s a proactive measure triggered by years of data showing that autumn and winter months see a sharp uptick in cases of influenza A (H1N1 and H3N2), influenza B, and severe acute respiratory syndromes (SRAG). For Austin, a city where the “Keep Austin Weird” ethos often translates to packed outdoor festivals and indoor co-working spaces, the warning serves as a timely reminder: the tools to prevent a local surge are already in place, but community awareness and action are lagging.

The Science Behind the Surge: Why April Matters in Austin

The connection between seasonal shifts and respiratory illness isn’t new, but the mechanics are often misunderstood. In Curitiba, the Municipal Health Secretariat’s 2026 contingency plan for SRAG explicitly ties the “high-risk period” to the onset of cooler temperatures, which drive people indoors and create ideal conditions for viral transmission. Austin’s climate is milder, but the principle holds: as evening temperatures drop into the 50s and 60s, residents retreat into homes, offices, and public spaces like the Austin Public Library branches or the Domain’s indoor food halls. These environments, while beloved, become petri dishes for influenza and other respiratory viruses.

The data from Curitiba is stark. The city’s 2026 plan notes that influenza A/H1N1, A/H3N2, and influenza B are the dominant strains currently circulating, with a particular emphasis on H1N1—a strain that has historically caused severe illness in children, pregnant women, and individuals with chronic conditions. In Austin, where the population includes a significant number of young families and tech workers with long commutes on I-35, the risk profile is similar. The Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) has already reported an uptick in flu-like illnesses in Travis County this month, though not yet at the levels seen in Curitiba. The question isn’t whether Austin will see a surge, but how severe it will be—and whether the city’s healthcare infrastructure is prepared.

One of the most alarming details from Curitiba’s alert is the vaccination gap. The city’s 2026 influenza vaccination strategy aims to reach 90% coverage among priority groups—pregnant women, children under five, and adults over 60—but as of April, only 42% of these groups had received the shot. Austin’s numbers aren’t much better. According to the Austin Public Health (APH) dashboard, flu vaccination rates for the 2025-2026 season hovered around 45% for priority populations as of late March. The gap is even wider among Black and Hispanic communities, where vaccination rates dip below 35% in some ZIP codes. This isn’t just a public health issue; it’s a socioeconomic one, with long-term implications for hospital capacity and economic productivity.

From Curitiba to Congress Avenue: What Austin Can Learn

Curitiba’s response to its high-risk period offers a blueprint for Austin, but with local adaptations. The Brazilian city’s plan includes three key pillars: vaccination drives in public spaces, prioritized care for severe respiratory cases, and public education campaigns. Austin has the infrastructure to replicate this—if it acts quickly.

First, vaccination. Curitiba has taken a page from Austin’s playbook by deploying mobile vaccination units to high-traffic areas like parks, bus terminals, and shopping centers. In Austin, similar efforts could focus on locations like Republic Square Park, the Mueller Farmers Market, or even outside popular venues like the Mohawk or Antone’s, where foot traffic is high. The city’s existing partnerships with CommUnityCare Health Centers and People’s Community Clinic could be leveraged to expand these pop-up clinics, particularly in underserved neighborhoods like Dove Springs or Rundberg. The vaccine itself, a trivalent shot covering H1N1, H3N2, and influenza B, is already available at no cost through APH and local pharmacies like H-E-B and CVS.

Second, healthcare capacity. Curitiba’s 2026 contingency plan includes a directive to add 58 new hospital beds across the city to handle the anticipated surge in severe respiratory cases. Austin’s healthcare system is already stretched thin, with Ascension Seton and St. David’s Healthcare reporting occupancy rates above 90% during peak flu seasons. The city’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) division has a protocol for “surge activation,” but it’s rarely triggered until hospitals are already overwhelmed. A preemptive approach—such as expanding telehealth options through UT Health Austin or partnering with local urgent care chains like NextCare—could help distribute the load before it becomes a crisis.

Third, public education. Curitiba’s health secretariat has released a series of flowcharts for healthcare providers, outlining how to triage patients with flu-like symptoms and when to prescribe antiviral medications like Paxlovid. Austin could adopt a similar approach, but with a digital-first twist. The city’s “Austin Public Health” Twitter account and Nextdoor groups are already hubs for local information; targeted campaigns could employ these platforms to share real-time updates on flu activity, vaccination sites, and warning signs of severe illness. Schools, too, play a critical role. The Austin Independent School District (AISD) could partner with APH to distribute informational flyers to parents, particularly in elementary schools where outbreaks often begin.

The Human Cost: Who’s Most at Risk in Austin?

The data from Curitiba paints a grim picture of who bears the brunt of respiratory surges. Of the 85 influenza-related deaths reported in the state of Paraná in 2025, only nine occurred in individuals who had been vaccinated. The majority were children under five, adults over 65, and people with chronic conditions like asthma or diabetes. Austin’s demographic profile mirrors this vulnerability. The city’s 2025 Community Health Assessment, conducted by APH, found that 12% of Travis County residents have asthma—a rate higher than the national average—and that diabetes prevalence is rising, particularly among Hispanic and Black communities.

For parents, the stakes are especially high. The Correio Braziliense recently reported on a spike in bronchiolitis cases among infants in Brazil, a trend that often precedes a broader flu surge. In Austin, pediatricians at Dell Children’s Medical Center have already noted an increase in RSV cases this month, a potential harbinger of what’s to come. The hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Department is one of the busiest in the state, and a flu surge could push wait times from hours to days. For families without reliable transportation, this could mean delayed care—and worse outcomes.

Then there’s the economic angle. Austin’s economy is heavily reliant on service workers, many of whom lack paid sick abandon. A flu outbreak could force restaurants, bars, and retail stores to reduce hours or close temporarily, as seen during the 2022-2023 flu season when several downtown establishments reported staffing shortages. The Austin Chamber of Commerce has previously advocated for employer-sponsored vaccination clinics, but participation remains low. A coordinated effort between the chamber, APH, and local businesses could change that.

What Austin Residents Can Do Now: A Local Resource Guide

Given my background in public health journalism and my work covering Austin’s healthcare landscape, I’ve seen firsthand how proactive measures can mitigate the worst outcomes of flu season. If you’re a resident of Austin or the surrounding Travis County area, here are the three types of local professionals and resources Consider prioritize as we head into this high-risk period:

1. Primary Care Providers with a Focus on Preventive Medicine

Not all primary care physicians are created equal when it comes to respiratory health. Look for providers who:

• Have experience managing chronic conditions like asthma or COPD, which can worsen flu outcomes. Ask if they’ve completed additional training in pulmonary care or infectious diseases.
• Offer same-day or next-day appointments for flu-like symptoms. In Austin, clinics like CommUnityCare’s East Austin Health Center and People’s Community Clinic are known for their accessibility.
• Provide telehealth options for follow-up care, reducing the need for in-person visits during peak flu season. UT Health Austin and Ascension Texas both offer robust telemedicine programs.
• Are in-network with your insurance. The Texas Department of Insurance has a tool to verify provider networks, which can save you hundreds of dollars in out-of-pocket costs.

2. Pediatricians with a Proactive Approach to Vaccination

If you have children under 18, finding the right pediatrician can mean the difference between a mild illness and a hospital stay. Seek out providers who:

• Have a high vaccination rate among their patient population. Ask for their practice’s flu vaccination coverage numbers for the past two years.
• Offer extended hours or weekend appointments. In Austin, practices like Austin Regional Clinic Pediatrics and Texas Children’s Pediatrics have multiple locations with flexible scheduling.
• Provide clear, jargon-free guidance on when to seek emergency care. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends looking for signs like difficulty breathing, dehydration, or a fever lasting more than three days.
• Are affiliated with a major hospital system, such as Dell Children’s or St. David’s Children’s Hospital, in case of severe illness.

3. Local Public Health Advocates and Community Organizations

Public health isn’t just about doctors and hospitals—it’s about community. Austin has a robust network of organizations working to improve health outcomes, particularly in underserved areas. Connect with groups that:

• Offer free or low-cost vaccination clinics. Austin Public Health hosts regular flu shot events at libraries, community centers, and even some grocery stores. Follow their website or social media for updates.
• Provide education on respiratory health in multiple languages. Organizations like El Buen Samaritano and Foundation Communities offer materials in Spanish, Vietnamese, and Arabic, among other languages.
• Advocate for policy changes, such as paid sick leave or expanded healthcare access. Groups like Workers Defense Project and Texas Organizing Project are leading these efforts in Austin.
• Focus on specific populations, such as the elderly or homeless. Meals on Wheels Central Texas and Mobile Loaves & Fishes often partner with health providers to offer flu shots during their regular outreach.

For those who prefer a DIY approach, Austin Public Health’s “Flu Fighter” toolkit is an excellent resource. It includes a symptom checker, a map of vaccination sites, and tips for preventing the spread of illness at home and work. You can access it here.

The Bottom Line: Austin’s Flu Season Isn’t Inevitable—But This proves Predictable

Curitiba’s warning isn’t just a headline—it’s a preview of what Austin could face in the coming weeks. The good news? Unlike earthquakes or hurricanes, respiratory illness surges are predictable, and the tools to mitigate them are already at our fingertips. Vaccination, early treatment, and public education can turn the tide, but only if the community acts together.

For Austinites, the message is clear: don’t wait until you or your child is coughing up a lung to take action. Get vaccinated. Realize the warning signs of severe illness. And if you’re in a high-risk group, have a plan for where to seek care before you need it. The city’s healthcare system is resilient, but it’s not infinite. Every flu shot, every hand washed, every sick day taken to recover is a little act of civic responsibility—and in a city as interconnected as Austin, those small acts add up.

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