A vaccine clinic in Lynwood, Calif., offering free flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Experts are using the word “tripledemic” for rises in COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Mark J. Terrill/AP hide caption
toggle caption
Mark J. Terrill/AP
Mark J. Terrill/AP
This year’s holiday season is arriving right in the midst of an unwelcome “tripledemic” of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) that have helped strain hospitals nationwide.
Though COVID cases are much lower than they were last winter, case counts are ticking up nationwide, and nearly 3,000 Americans are dying each week. Meanwhile, other respiratory viruses like the flu and RSV have surged this fall.
More than 77% of hospital beds nationwide are occupied, down slightly from nearly 80% earlier this month, according to data from the Department of Health and Human Services — the highest levels seen since last winter’s omicron surge.
Health
Surges in flu, RSV and COVID threaten the holidays
Surges in flu, RSV and COVID threaten the holidays
Listen · 3:49 3:49 Toggle more options Download Embed EmbedShare this Post