flu

Nationwide, flu, COVID-19, and RSV illnesses are at low levels but medical experts say they expect to see a spike in the coming weeks as the holidays get underway.

During the week of Feb. 24, there were over 700 flu hospitalizations in the state.

Flu is rising, and COVID levels are higher than last season's peak. But COVID hospitalizations and deaths are down. Nonetheless, COVID is still the most dangerous virus circulating.

The colder temperatures coincide with the typical respiratory virus season for COVID-19, influenza and RSV.

Health officials say Ohioans need to take action now to protect themselves against COVID-19, flu and RSV.

Pigs and goats likely catch it too. It's been found in humans' noses in the southwest — and in the air at airports and at chicken farms in Malaysia.

Dr. Joseph Bailey is TriHealth's pediatric medical director and deals with illnesses in kids and teens on a daily basis. He says this year has been a bit different.

NPR asked a handful of public health experts how to approach a holiday season with not one but three respiratory pathogens helping fill hospitals: COVID, the flu and RSV.

Pediatricians are dealing with an early flu season on top of RSV cases in children and continuing COVID cases.

Doctors from across the state asked the public to take measures to stay well or at least stay out of the emergency room unless absolutely necessary. "Never before have we had to contend with all three of these viruses driving illnesses at the same time," said one.