Health officials are monitoring a triple threat of respiratory illnesses. Here's how to avoid getting sick

As the new year gets underway, health officials are issuing a nationwide alert about a triple threat: The simultaneous rise in flu, COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus cases, or RSV.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is reporting a significant rise in emergency room visits due to flu and COVID-19, while RSV infections continue to pose a serious risk — particularly to infants and the elderly.

Dr. Celine Gounder, a CBS News medical contributor and KFF Health News editor-at-large for public health, said that the U.S. is seeing a flu spike and a rise in COVID-19 hospitalizations.