Stop Six Community COVID Myths & Facts Are Cold Cases Tracked Locally? December 2022 Are viruses like colds tracked locally? NO Colds are not a tracked because people usually don’t see a doctor for a cold. Instead, they treat themselves at home. Viruses that are tracked, like COVID-19 and flu, are reported by health providers who diagnose them when people come in for treatment. Tarrant County Public Health can track purchases of fever reducers and cough and cold medicines. This can indicate that more people are sick and treating themselves at home. There is no way to tell exactly what viruses people are treating at home. Sources https://www.dshs.texas.gov/IDCU/disease/rsv/Data.aspx