As health officials grow increasingly concerned, cases of flu, COVID-19, and RSV are starting to increase across the country. Emergency rooms are preparing for a possible triple epidemic of illnesses. In October alone, the Centers for Disease Control reported over 780,000 flu illnesses and nearly 500 deaths.

Dr. Brownstein, a physician, shared that certain age groups and individuals with prior medical conditions are more vulnerable to severe cases and even death from these three illnesses. “For those that are the youngest, those are the oldest. For those who have underlying conditions, the flu infection can be especially deadly,” Brownstein said.

While flu hospitalizations have been lower than they were at this time last year, there is a similar pattern of spikes in southern states. Additionally, many veterans are at risk of losing their homes after the COVID mortgage forbearance program ends. The situation is becoming increasingly dire for public health officials as they work to contain the spread of these illnesses and provide support to those most affected.