WCCHD LAUNCHES NEWLY DESIGNED RESPIRATORY ILLNESS DATA DASHBOARD

Dec. 20, 2022 – Since 2020, the COVID-19 dashboard served as an effective tool to communicate the status of the pandemic within Williamson County. WCCHD has retired the COVID-only dashboard and expanded reporting to multiple respiratory illnesses, including influenza (flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) on a newly launched dashboard. 

At the onset of the pandemic, before vaccines and at-home testing were available, the dashboard played a critical role in providing situational awareness to the public and our partners. Seeing the need to expand to provide a bigger picture of respiratory illness activity in the community, WCCHD will now analyze and report activity related to influenza-like illnesses and COVID-like illnesses, which heavily impact our provider and hospital systems. 

Other data reporting changes include: 

  • Hospital visits by a respiratory virus  
  • Hospital and ICU beds available 
  • New and historical COVID-19 and flu cases by week 

“The 2022-2023 cold and flu season is proving to be earlier and more severe than it's been the last couple years,” said Dr. Amanda Norwood, Medical Director and Health Authority for the Williamson County and Cities Health District. “With the high level of respiratory illnesses circulating, coupled with the holidays, it’s more important than ever to be up to date on flu and COVID vaccinations, along with following the basic precautions we know work - hand washing, masking, and saying home when sick.”  

The new Respiratory Illness dashboard can be found at www.wcchd.org/flu and will be updated on Thursdays.  

Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses with similar symptoms, such as congestion, cough, and fever. Free flu and COVID-19 vaccination options are available with or without an appointment. Visit www.wcchd.org/flu for locations and hours. 

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The Williamson County and Cities Health District (WCCHD), nationally accredited by the Public Health Accreditation Board, works to protect, promote, and improve the health of all people in Williamson County. WCCHD provides critical public health services including retail food inspections, clinical services like immunizations and well-woman exams, epidemiological and emergency responses to disease outbreaks, mosquito surveillance, WIC nutrition benefits, and education, and eligibility screening for the county indigent healthcare and state programs. Learn more at www.wcchd.org.