As health officials express growing concerns, cases of flu, COVID-19, and RSV are beginning to rise across the country. In preparation for a possible triple epidemic of illnesses, emergency rooms across the nation are readying themselves for the influx of patients.
According to the Centers for Disease Control, from October until last week, there were at least 780,000 flu illnesses and almost 500 deaths. Dr. Brownstein, a physician who specializes in infectious diseases, has shared that certain age groups and individuals with prior medical conditions are more susceptible to severe cases and even death from the three illnesses.
While this year’s flu hospitalizations have been lower than this time last year, trends in southern states are similar to last year’s spikes. Health officials urge caution and advise people to take precautions such as wearing masks and practicing good hygiene to prevent the spread of these illnesses.