DALLAS — Medical professionals warn all of us home-for-the-holidays travelers that a triple threat of sorts is at play this holiday season. And they advise that we all take precautions so that we don't deliver unintended Christmas gifts.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that the number of COVID-19 JN.1 variant cases more than doubled between late November and mid-December. And RSV and influenza are also in heavy circulation.
"So the COVID numbers are creeping up a little bit," said Dr. Jeffrey Kahn, Chief of Infectious Diseases at Children's Health in Dallas.
"Actually we're seeing all the different viruses," added Dr. Jay Herd, Chief Medical Officer at Baylor Scott & White All Saints in Fort Worth.
High levels of flu-like illnesses were reported last week in 17 states — up from 14 the week before, according to the CDC.
"These are the things that we were worried about," Dr. Kahn said. "We talked about the triple pandemic. Well, we have it right now. We have three viruses that are circulating."
"Absolutely," said Dr. Herd. "We're seeing it in schools. We're seeing it in places of work. We're seeing it in families."
About 42% of U.S. adults had gotten flu shots by the first week of December, down from about 45% at the same time last year, according to the CDC.
"It looks like we're nowhere near the peak of influenza activity so it may be a long, hard influenza season," Dr. Kahn said.
So the advice they agree on is worth repeating. Vaccinations, for COVID, flu, and RSV, can offer some protection. Masks in crowded places are always a good idea. And frequent hand-washing and use of hand sanitizer - that they say is worth repeating too.
"So really be mindful of those simple, low-tech things that we can do to reduce the risk of spread of respiratory viruses," said Dr. Kahn.
"Which is a great thing to do this time of giving season," added Dr. Herd, "is to not give a virus, to keep it to yourself and protect especially those who are vulnerable."
"The holidays are the times when people are congregating and this is the perfect opportunity for respiratory viruses to jump from one person to another," Kahn said.
The CDC last week took the unusual step of sending a health alert to U.S. doctors urging them to immunize their patients against the trio of viruses.
Medical experts also say not to assume you just have a cold or a seasonal allergy.
Consult your physician or the CDC website to learn if your symptoms might be a virus that, if untreated, might also be potentially harmful to someone else.