Martha’s Vineyard Hospital officials are warning Islanders to remain safe and alert heading into the Thanksgiving and holiday season, as the hospital experiences a surge in respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) cases while Covid-19 and the flu continue to circulate.

In a press call Monday, hospital officials underscored a recent increase in cases of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), a common, cold-like airborne respiratory virus. In tandem with the flu and covid, hospital chief executive Denise Schepici characterized the group of viruses as a “tri-demic,” and said that the prevalence of the trio created heightened concerns about airborne illnesses this season.

Ms. Schepici said those who are most likely to develop serious symptoms of RSV are young children and infants, noting that more cases of the virus have cropped up this year than normal. In the last two weeks, she said the hospital has diagnosed more than 75 cases of the virus, mostly in children under 12.

“There is no sign of letup in this current surge,” she said.

With Thanksgiving next week and the holiday season set to begin soon thereafter, Ms. Schepici encouraged Islanders to get their flu and Covid-19 booster shots. While appointments for Covid-19 boosters at the hospital have filled up fast, head nurse Claire Seguin said that the hospital has administered more than 3,000 bivalent covid boosters, including those administered with the help of the vaccine bus.

The bus has been responsible for about 500 booster shots.

The drive through was busy Tuesday.

Jeanna Shepard

The drive through was busy Tuesday.

Jeanna Shepard

Ms. Seguin added that new appointments are added to the hospital website every Friday, and availability is subject to hospital staffing. She encouraged anyone having trouble making an appointment to continue trying, or call the hospital if problems persist. Appointments for Covid boosters can be made on the hospital website.

Hospital officials further stressed safety in the coming weeks, noting that Covid-19, RSV and the flu all present with similar symptoms. Ms. Seguin said cases of RSV have increased in part due to weakened immune systems facing children after quarantine during the pandemic. She added that cases in adults have increased partly because of increased testing.

“We just weren’t testing for it and capturing it,” she said.

Hospital officials also said they are working alongside Mass General Brigham to create contingency plans for the potential of increased visitation at the Martha’s Vineyard Hospital throughout the winter. But the most important step for Islanders, officials said, is remaining vigilant.

“Just stay safe and be well,” Ms. Schepici said.