Triple threat: Flu, COVID-19 and RSV wreaking havoc before holiday travel

Hospitals across the country are hitting capacity as flu, COVID-19 and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases rise into the millions.

The spread of COVID-19 has increased by more than 35 percent in the last two weeks.

Nationwide flu activity remains high, with 15 million cases, and experts say this flu season is dramatically outpacing last year.

According to the CDC, across the country over the past 10 weeks, there have been more than 150,000 flu-related hospitalizations and more than 9,300 deaths.

This week nine pediatric deaths were attributed to the flu, bringing the total count to 30 for the season.

“Unfortunately, we are seeing a rapid rise in influenza cases, and COVID-19 cases are sort of more gradually increasing,” said Dr. Dean Blumberg, of UC Davis Pediatric Infectious Disease.

The CDC is now urging several cities to consider mask mandates.

As of now, 14.1 percent of people in the United States over the age of five have an updated COVID-19 booster.

This is causing concern among physicians as millions are expected to travel over the next week for Hannukah, Christmas and Kwanzaa.

“Traveling during the holidays right now is going to be very tricky because we do have quite a few viruses circulating,” said Dr. Vanessa Walker with Pulmonary Medicine Associates.

“Wear a mask if you’re going to be moving through an airport or busy travel locations because you really don’t want to be exposed to all those people,” Dr. Walker said.