This fall's 'triple threat' of viruses puts young kids at risk

+ same-sex marriage gets bipartisan support US Edition - Today's top story: COVID-19, RSV and the flu are straining health care systems - two epidemiologists explain what the 'triple threat' means for children [View in browser]( US Edition | 18 November 2022 [The Conversation]( Ever since its arrival, COVID-19 has had an uncanny way of expanding our lexicon. In March 2020, the word “pandemic” became a household name. Then in fall 2021, we were introduced to the term “twindemic,” which referred to the dual threat of a severe flu season combined with a winter surge of COVID-19 infections. Now, we’re learning about the “triple threat,” which describes the onslaught of three respiratory illnesses – RSV, the seasonal flu and COVID-19 – that are filling emergency rooms across the country. These viruses present a threat to everyone, but [infants and young children are currently at the greatest risk](, write epidemiologists Rebecca S.B. Fischer, of Texas A&M University, and Annette Regan, from the University of San Francisco. They explain why the sheer number of respiratory infections – which are spreading much earlier than usual in the flu season – has health officials concerned that the situation could grow worse this winter. But they also point to the prevention strategies, including vaccines, that can help people keep themselves and their communities safe. Also today: - [What makes the new soccer ball introduced for the World Cup so special]( - [Nancy Pelosi, master messenger and legislator]( - [Take our news quiz to test your knowledge of current events]( If you value our work in providing you, your neighbors and the public with trustworthy health information, we hope you will [support The Conversation](. Thank you. Amanda Mascarelli Senior Health and Medicine Editor Pediatric emergency rooms in some states are at or over capacity due to the surging number of respiratory infections. GOLFX/iStock via Getty Images Plus [COVID-19, RSV and the flu are straining health care systems - two epidemiologists explain what the ‘triple threat’ means for children]( Rebecca S.B. Fischer, Texas A&M University; Annette Regan, University of San Francisco Respiratory viruses are hitting young children and infants particularly hard this fall and winter season, and experts don’t yet know exactly why. Science + Technology - [World Cup: This year’s special Al Rihla ball has the aerodynamics of a champion, according to a sports physicist]( John Eric Goff, University of Lynchburg Adidas releases a new ball for every World Cup. At the highest level of play, a ball that behaves in unexpected ways can throw players off. A sports physicist explains the science of this year’s ball. 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