As we hit the four-year mark since COVID-19, medical professionals in San Antonio are doubling down on their calls for vigilance against respiratory illnesses. Jason Bowling, MD, hospital epidemiologist at University Health and an infectious diseases specialist at UT Health San Antonio, described the current climate as a high-tide moment for virus cases, although hopes are pinned on a downturn with the advent of warmer seasons, KSAT reported.

"We have seen high levels for a while," Bowling said in the interview, adding "Hopefully, we’re starting to see things come back down as we move into the spring, and then summer." But it's not just a single virus causing concern, as per reports, a collection of respiratory viruses has been hitting the population hard since the turn of the new year with cases peaking across the nation, though it seems there's a bit of a break as cases dwindle this March.

The CDC has relaxed its guidelines somewhat, departing from its previous stance that required individuals with COVID-19 to observe a five-day isolation period. Now, if someone has mild symptoms but is on the mend and they've been fever-free for at least 24 hours, back to work they go. While this may hint at a return to some semblance of pre-pandemic normalcy, doctors caution it's not time to let down our guard entirely.

"This year has been an unusual year for the viruses," Tarak Patel, a pediatric pulmonologist at Baptist Children’s Hospital, was quoted as saying, flags of concern that these pathogens are vying for supremacy, and it's observed that as one's numbers ascend the other's decline which suggests the populace should stay alert in the face of these dueling bugs. Frequent hand washing and staying home were advised. "People are still at risk so still take precautions," he declared, "People should just kind of fold this into their regular practice."