WASHINGTON: The United States is currently grappling with a surge in three major respiratory viruses — flu, Covid-19, and RSV — raising fears of a potential ‘tripledemic’ during its first post-pandemic respiratory season, according to recent reports.

Over the weekend, the World Health Organisation (WHO) issued a stark warning, citing an increase in coronavirus cases globally, particularly with the emergence of the JN.1 variant, which has become the most prevalent as of December 23.

In the United States, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) highlighted the dominance of the JN.1 variant, projecting it to represent 39-50 per cent of circulating variants.

While existing vaccines, tests, and treatments are still effective against the JN.1 variant, the CDC underscores the importance of continued monitoring. Globally, the WHO reports a 52pc rise in Covid-19 infections, attributing challenges to reporting accuracy due to decreased surveillance and vaccination efforts worldwide.

Three major respiratory viruses — flu, Covid-19 and RSV — continue to increase in parts of the country

The JN.1 variant, originating in the US and evolving from the Omicron variant, has now spread globally. Complicating matters further, there is a surge in flu cases in the US, with vaccination uptake lagging.

Disturbingly, about eight million fewer people received the flu shot in the US by mid-December compared to the same period in 2022. Additionally, only a fifth of American adults have received the latest Covid-19 shot, and flu vaccine uptake remains low.

Earlier optimism in the autumn, buoyed by the availability of RSV vaccines and updated Covid-19 vaccines, has waned. Accessing the vaccine for RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, has proven challenging for many.

Covid-19 hospital admissions have been on the rise since November, and wastewater detection indicates significant increases in virus levels at 69pc of monitored sites. Flu activity across the country is currently deemed ‘elevated and continues to increase in most parts of the country,’ according to the CDC.

Dr. Luis Ostrosky, chief of infectious diseases and epidemiology at UTHealth Houston, has confirmed simultaneous surges in flu and Covid-19 cases. In an interview with The Hill newspaper, which covers Congressional activities, Ostrosky emphasised the need for heightened vigilance.

Global health organisations stress the importance of monitoring, understanding, and combating respiratory viruses. They urge communities to prioritise vaccination and adhere to preventive measures to effectively tackle the triple threat of Covid-19, flu, and RSV.

The situation is evolving rapidly, and health authorities are closely monitoring developments to mitigate the impact of this triple health challenge.

Published in Dawn, January 8th, 2024