As cases of flu, COVID-19, and RSV continue to rise across the country, health officials are becoming increasingly concerned. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that from October to last week, there were at least 780,000 flu illnesses and almost 500 deaths. Dr. Brownstein, a physician, shared that certain age groups and individuals with prior medical conditions are more susceptible to severe cases and even death from the three illnesses.

Countless emergency rooms across the country are preparing for a possible triple epidemic of illnesses as the flu season continues into late winter and early spring. This year’s flu hospitalizations have been lower than this time last year, but trends in southern states are similar to last year’s spikes. Health officials urge people to take precautions such as wearing masks, washing their hands frequently, and getting vaccinated against both the flu and COVID-19 to prevent further spread of these illnesses.