JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) - Physicians and infectious disease experts expect another moderate flu season, similar to what was experienced last year.

Ballad Health Chief Infection Prevention Officer Jamie Swift said the region will see the three main viral respiratory illnesses: flu, COVID-19, and RSV.

"When you have that much circulation, it does lead to increased visits, increased hospitalizations, and increased deaths," Swift said. "So even a moderate season typically indicates that you're having quite a bit of severe illness."

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that about 1 million people were hospitalized due to the flu last year, with more than 130,000 deaths. During the same time, 540,000 COVID-19 hospitalizations and 63,000 deaths occurred.

"People f

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