As San Diego grapples with a troubling rise in respiratory illnesses, health officials are doubling down on calls for vaccinations against COVID-19, the flu, and RSV, Times of San Diego reports. The three-pronged viral threat has sparked increased hospitalizations, with wastewater surveillance ringing alarm bells of potentially more cases on the horizon, particularly in South Bay and north coastal areas, the County News Center confirmed.

The holidays are here, and County Health and Human Services is asking San Diegans to add a few things to their list to promote a healthy holiday season. https://t.co/2FgA3xscKz

— SanDiegoCounty (@SanDiegoCounty) December 21, 2023

With the holiday season underway, residents are urged to seek out vaccines, which remain the chief defense against these respiratory ailments, medications are also available which can prevent serious illness in the vulnerable such as older adults and those with underlying conditions, both sources cite San Diego County Health and Human Services' push for wide vaccine accessibility in pharmacies and public health clinics, coupled with a robust testing protocol as key strategies to curtail the spread.

"Staying current on your vaccines is the best way to protect yourself and your loved ones from getting sick," Dr. Wilma J. Wooten, M.D., M.P.H., Public Health Officer for the county, emphasized in a statement obtained by Times of San Diego. Amidst the public health campaign, the county is ensuring that residents know that anyone six months and older is eligible for the updated COVID-19 vaccine, and the flu vaccine is strongly recommended annually.

Complementary to vaccines, preventative measures have been outlined to enhance protection. People are encouraged to practice proper hand hygiene, keep clear from those exhibiting sickness, cover coughs and sneezes, wear masks, especially in crowded indoor places, and engage in frequent surface cleaning. Besides these measures, the federal government is currently providing free at-home COVID-19 tests, which households can obtain through the U.S. Postal Service, the County News Center highlighted. Reflecting on the RSV vaccine, which is particularly crucial for young children, older adults, and the immunocompromised, individuals are advised to consult their doctors on its suitability.

Health officials continue to monitor the situation through the Respiratory Virus Surveillance Report, which is published weekly, offering San Diegans timely data and guidance as they navigate the triple threat this holiday season.