JAKARTA - The combined cases of flu, Covid-19, and RSV, or commonly known as the tripledemic, have reportedly increased sharply in New York since the Christmas holidays. This surge has sparked concerns among medical personnel because it has a direct impact on the increasing number of patients who must be hospitalized.
Data from Northwell Health on Long Island showed a significant increase in a short time. RSV cases rose by about 35 percent, Covid-19 increased by 15 percent, while the flu recorded the biggest spike. In just one week, the number of hospitalizations due to flu jumped by 75 percent in the state.
This increase occurs as community activity increases during the holiday season. Family gatherings, travel, and joint events are considered the main factors that accelerate the spread of respiratory viruses.
"This year's flu increase is much faster than what we saw last year," said Dwayne Breining, Senior Vice President of Laboratory Services at Northwell Health, quoted from the Health and Me page on Saturday, January 3, 2026.
He added that vaccination is still an important protection. Doctors also noted that severe cases were more experienced by patients who had not received the vaccine.
"We don't see deaths in vaccinated patients, while many severe cases occur in those who are not vaccinated," he said.
Even though the three of them both attack the respiratory tract, flu symptoms, Covid-19, and RSV are often similar so they need to be watched out for from the start.
Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly, such as high fever, chills, muscle pain, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, and stuffy or runny nose. In children, flu can also be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.
RSV generally causes symptoms such as a mild cold, cough, fever, and wheezing. However, in infants, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems, RSV can cause serious respiratory disorders and require medical treatment.
Meanwhile, Covid-19 can still trigger severe symptoms, especially in vulnerable groups, even though some people only experience mild symptoms.
Signs of danger that require immediate treatment include shortness of breath, chest pain, severe dizziness, confusion, or conditions that have improved and then worsened again.
The flu season usually lasts until early spring. Therefore, medical personnel emphasize that the flu vaccine is still useful even if it is given in the middle of the season.
In addition to vaccination, simple prevention measures are still recommended, such as washing hands regularly, wearing masks when sick, and postponing attending holiday events if the body is not fit.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates this flu season has caused at least 4.6 million cases of the disease, about 49,000 hospitalizations, and nearly 1,900 deaths nationwide.
This figure is a reminder that vigilance against the tripledemic is very necessary, especially in the midst of increasing community mobility.
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