As the flu season approaches, health officials are becoming increasingly concerned about the possibility of a triple epidemic of illnesses. With COVID-19 and RSV also on the rise, emergency rooms across the country are preparing for a busy winter.

According to the Centers for Disease Control, from October to last week, there were at least 780,000 flu illnesses and nearly 500 deaths. Dr. Brownstein, a physician, warns that certain age groups and individuals with underlying medical conditions are more susceptible to severe cases and even death from the three illnesses.

While flu hospitalizations this year have been lower than this time last year, trends in southern states are similar to last year’s spikes. Health officials urge everyone to take precautions to prevent the spread of these illnesses and protect themselves and their communities.