In its latest flu update, the CDC reports activity has surged, with half of states now reporting very high or high levels. The increase comes as respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) continues to affect significant numbers of children, causing some pediatric hospitals to be overwhelmed, and as some states are reporting heightened COVID-19 activity.

The trio of viral threats – RSV, flu, and COVID-19 – has some public health experts warning the U.S. may soon experience a “tripledemic.” "COVID cases are expected to rise during the winter. This will be occurring at the same time we expect to see influenza rates increase while we are already seeing an early start to RSV season,” said Dean Blumberg, chief of pediatric infectious diseases at UC Davis Children’s Hospital. “With all three viruses on the rise, we are worried about an increase in the rates of viral infection that may lead to an increase in hospitalizations.” In terms of the flu, the CDC said the worst hot spots are the south and southeastern regions, followed by the south-central West Coast and the middle Atlantic regions. For both the flu and COVID-19, experts extol the benefits of being vaccinated. So far, the strains in this year’s flu shot are a good match to the circulating strains, so experts are hopeful the vaccine will provide good protection. Even if cases of breakthrough infections, the illness will be milder. The flu and COVID-19 vaccines can be administered at the same time. There is no vaccine available for RSV. However, RSV vaccines are in development and might be available in the next few years. Read more at the University of Minnesota Center for Infectious Disease Research and Policy and UC Davis Health.