Right now in Houston, emergency rooms are seeing a mix of viral illnesses and seasonal challenges. Wastewater testing shows COVID-19 levels remain “very high” in Texas, flu activity is beginning its climb toward the winter peak, and RSV is on the rise in children. Add in lingering measles cases, elevated pertussis, mosquito season, and lingering summer heat, and it’s a busy season for local ERs.
If you live or work around Uptown/Galleria (77056, 77027), Bellaire, or Memorial, these are the issues most likely to affect your family in the weeks ahead. Knowing the warning signs can help you decide when it’s time to come to Post Oak ER.
COVID-19 Update in Houston
COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. CDC wastewater data shows viral activity is “very high” in Texas as of late August 2025, though levels are stable rather than sharply increasing.
Most cases look like a bad cold: fever, cough, sore throat, fatigue. But COVID can still be serious, especially for older adults or people with chronic conditions.
When to go to the ER:
- Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
- Chest pain or pressure
- Confusion or trouble staying awake
- Bluish lips or face
- Severe dehydration (very dry mouth, dizziness, not urinating for many hours)
Uptown offices and Galleria-area hotels bring people together from across the city and beyond. That means higher chances of exposure during commutes and business travel. Families in 77056 and 77057 neighborhoods may also face added risk when kids return from school or sports.
Flu Season Starting — What Families Should Know
Flu season is beginning, but CDC data shows Houston typically peaks between December and February, not yet. That means there’s still time to get vaccinated, and September is a good window.
Flu symptoms often overlap with colds: fever, cough, sore throat, runny nose, body aches. The difference is that flu tends to hit fast and hard, while colds come on gradually.
When to go to the ER:
- Fever that lasts more than 3 days or doesn’t respond to medicine
- Trouble breathing or chest pain
- Severe dehydration (not keeping fluids down, dizziness, no urine for many hours)
- Confusion, fainting, or seizures
Families in Bellaire and Memorial often delay flu shots until after school sports start, but that can leave kids unprotected in early outbreaks. Retail clinics in the Galleria/Uptown area are already advertising walk-in flu vaccines for September.
RSV and Young Children in Houston
RSV is a common fall virus for infants and young children. CDC wastewater monitoring shows RSV activity rising across Texas as of late August 2025, and Houston typically sees an uptick as schools and daycares reopen.
Early symptoms look like a cold: runny nose, cough, decreased appetite. But RSV can become serious, especially in infants and older adults.
When to go to the ER:
- Rapid or labored breathing
- Chest muscles pulling in with each breath (retractions)
- Blue lips or face
- Dehydration (fewer wet diapers, not drinking well)
In 77057 (Gulfton/Briarmeadow), many households are multigenerational. RSV spreads quickly from toddlers to older grandparents. Post Oak ER sees families from these neighborhoods every fall with children who just can’t catch their breath.
Measles — Risk Awareness After Texas Outbreak
Houston is not experiencing a measles outbreak right now. Texas DSHS declared the end of the West Texas outbreak in August 2025 (762 cases, 2 deaths), and Houston Health Department confirmed only three cases inside the city this year. That means vigilance, not panic.
Measles starts with high fever, cough, runny nose, red eyes, followed by a rash that spreads from the head down.
When to go to the ER:
- Fever plus rash and known exposure
- Trouble breathing
- Severe lethargy or confusion
- Signs of dehydration (not drinking, dry mouth, no urine for many hours)
Families in Bellaire and Memorial often travel for tournaments and school events. Before leaving town, it’s important to confirm your child’s MMR vaccination status.
Pertussis (Whooping Cough) in Texas
Pertussis cases are elevated this year. CDC and Texas DSHS both report higher activity in 2025 compared to 2023, which fits the disease’s usual 3–5 year cycle of peaks.
Early symptoms may feel like a cold—runny nose, mild cough—but progress into severe coughing fits, “whoop” sounds, and vomiting after coughing.
When to go to the ER:
- Long pauses in breathing (apnea)
- Bluish lips or skin
- Exhaustion or rib pain from nonstop coughing
- Dehydration (vomiting and not keeping fluids down)
Daycares in 77056 and 77057 can be high-risk spots, and new parents are often reminded to get Tdap boosters to protect infants who are too young for full vaccination.
Mosquito Season — West Nile & Dengue Risks
Mosquito season is still active through October in Houston. Harris County Public Health reports positive mosquito pools for West Nile virus, though human cases remain low. CDC data also shows recent dengue cases in Texas, including Harris County, often linked to travel.
Most mosquito bites are harmless, but certain symptoms signal urgent care.
When to go to the ER:
- Severe headache or neck stiffness
- Confusion or difficulty staying awake
- Persistent vomiting or severe abdominal pain
- Bleeding (nose, gums, unusual bruising)
- High fever that worsens after a mosquito bite
Bayous and storm drains in Memorial and Westchase are hotspots for standing water. Families commuting home to Katy at dusk are also prime targets for bites. Using repellent and draining water around the house are small steps that help.
Heat Illness & Air Quality Alerts
Even in September, Houston’s heat can be dangerous. The Houston Health Department tracks weekly heat-related ER visits and EMS calls, and the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality continues to issue Ozone Action Day alerts in the Houston-Galveston region.
Heat exhaustion looks like heavy sweating, dizziness, nausea. Heat stroke is more severe: confusion, hot dry skin, or fainting. Poor air quality worsens asthma and COPD, sometimes sending patients to the ER.
When to go to the ER:
- Confusion or fainting
- Body temperature of 103°F or higher
- Shortness of breath or wheezing not relieved by an inhaler
- Chest pain or tightness
Uptown workers often walk between garages and office towers in the midday heat. In Westchase and Memorial, evening joggers can be exposed to ozone spikes that trigger breathing problems.
How Post Oak ER Helps Houston Families
Post Oak ER provides 24/7 emergency care with board-certified physicians and no long waits.
Neighbors across Uptown/Galleria (77056, 77027), Memorial, and Bellaire often mention how much they value fast triage and compassionate staff. That means when symptoms strike late at night, you have a trusted option close by.
From COVID to RSV, from flu to heat-related illness, our ER is equipped to handle emergencies quickly and with care.
Q1. When should I bring my child with asthma to the ER?
If your child is wheezing after using an inhaler, can’t finish a sentence, or shows chest retractions, it’s time for emergency care. CDC guidance lists these as asthma red flags.
Q2. How do I tell flu from allergies?
Allergies cause itchy eyes and sneezing, while the flu usually begins suddenly with fever and body aches. CDC notes flu tends to come on abruptly.
Q3. Is measles spreading in Houston right now?
No. Houston reported only three cases in 2025, while the major Texas outbreak was in West Texas. Vaccination remains the best protection.
Q4. What should I do if I get a mosquito bite and then a fever?
Go to the ER if you develop severe headache, confusion, vomiting, or bleeding. CDC dengue guidance highlights these as warning signs.
Q5. When does a cough mean ER?
Seek emergency care if coughing causes vomiting, pauses in breathing, or bluish lips/skin. CDC describes these as pertussis danger signs.
Written by Ali.
Medically reviewed by Dr. KM, MD, FACEP, Board-Certified Emergency Medicine Physician, Post Oak ER.
Last reviewed: September 8, 2025.
Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911 or visit the nearest ER.