JAKARTA – The combined case of influenza, Covid-19 and RSV, known as tripledemic, was reported to have increased sharply in New York since Christmas Eve. This increase has raised concerns among health professionals because it has a direct impact on the increase in the number of patients who require hospitalization.
Data from Northwell Health on Long Island shows a significant increase in a short period of time. RSV cases increased by around 35%, Covid-19 cases by around 15%, while influenza recorded the largest increase. In just one week, the number of flu hospitalizations jumped 75% in the state.
This increase is due to the increased activity of people during the holiday season. Family gatherings, travel and events are considered the main factors that accelerate the spread of the respiratory virus.
“The increase in influenza this year is much faster than what we saw last year,” said Dwayne Breining, senior vice president of laboratory services at Northwell Health, quoted on the Health and Me website Saturday, January 3, 2026.
He added that vaccination was still an important protection. Doctors also noted that severe cases were more common in patients who had not received a vaccine.
“We did not see any deaths among vaccinated patients, while many serious cases occurred among those who were not vaccinated,” he added.
Although all three attack the respiratory tract, the symptoms of the common cold, Covid-19 and RSV are often similar, so you need to be vigilant from the start.
Flu symptoms usually appear suddenly, such as high fever, chills, muscle aches, headache, extreme fatigue, cough, sore throat, and a stuffy or runny nose. In children, the flu may also be accompanied by vomiting or diarrhea.
RSV usually causes symptoms such as cold, cough, fever, and wheezing. However, in infants, the elderly, and people with weak immune systems, RSV can cause serious breathing problems and require medical attention.
In the meantime, Covid-19 can still cause severe symptoms, particularly in vulnerable groups, although some people may only have mild symptoms.
Warning signs that require immediate treatment include shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, confusion, or conditions that have improved and then resolved.
Flu season usually lasts until early spring. This is why doctors emphasize that the flu vaccine remains useful even if administered in the middle of the season.
In addition to vaccination, it is always recommended to take simple preventive measures, such as regular hand washing, wearing masks in case of illness, and delaying participation in holiday events if the body’s condition is not in good shape.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that this flu season has caused at least 4.6 million cases of illness, approximately 49,000 hospitalizations and almost 1,900 deaths nationwide.
This figure serves as a reminder that vigilance against the triple epidemic is essential, especially amid increasing population mobility.
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