An onslaught of respiratory diseases is gripping Texas, with the Houston area seeing a significant uptick in flu and COVID-19 cases post-holidays. Infections have surged to "very high" levels, per the latest U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data. Houston Methodist's COVID-19 tracker indicates an increase in cases while flu cases appear to have peaked right before Christmas, a reported by the Houston Chronicle.

Dr. Luis Ostrosky, UTHealth Houston, and Memorial Hermann's infectious disease chief foresees a continued rise in infections over the coming weeks, citing "all the holiday parties and travel" as a fertile ground for the virus spread. At Houston Methodist, Dr. Wesley Long warned that with the natural immunity from previous infections dwindling, now is an excellent time for vaccinations — a sentiment both experts echo.

The emergence of the JN.1 subvariant of COVID-19 contributes to worries, with the CDC attributing approximately 61% of U.S. infections to this strain. As reported by the Houston Chronicle, Long doesn't consider the subvariant 'particularly special,' but its timing is key as it coincides with decreasing natural immunity levels among the population.

The flu season, typically peaking between December and February, is presenting a more conventional pattern this year, per health experts. The Houston Chronicle reports a preparedness among hospitals due to experiences from the Southern Hemisphere's flu season. Similarly, RSV, which tends to affect infants and the elderly severely, seems to have already peaked, possibly sparing hospitals from the overwhelming triple threat that was feared.

As these illnesses carry on their seasonal assault, public health officials are raising alerts about a 'tripledemic'—not an official term.It signifies the concurrent spread of flu, COVID-19, and RSV. According to ABC News, Dr. John Brownstein of Boston Children’s Hospital advises adopting healthy habits and staying vigilant, especially as the peak months for respiratory illnesses loom.

Officials underscore the importance of vaccination in the battle against these viruses. More than half of the adult U.S. population is not up to date on flu shots, and only 19.4% receive the latest COVID-19 vaccine. Vaccines, as ABC News reports, are readily available and are touted as the best defense in reducing the risk of severe repercussions from these diseases.

Amid the viral frenzy, health care professionals also emphasize the importance of getting tested if symptoms appear. Dr. Ostrosky advised, "If you’re having symptoms, and you’re high risk in particular, you should make the effort to get tested," according to the Houston Chronicle.