MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Mississippi State Department of Health says flu, COVID-19, and RSV cases - referred to as a "tripledemic" - are pushing hospitals to the brink. With the holidays weeks away. and families preparing to gather, the Magnolia State is bracing itself for brunt of the flu season. “We’ve had an early start to our influenza season," said Mississippi State Epidemiologist Dr. Paul Byers. Flu activity has been increasing for weeks. Many states are seeing this tripledemic - Tennessee being No. 1 for flu cases. Mississippi's health system is again seeing a strain ICU beds. There are 65 ICUs beds statewide. Level 1&2 hospitals - large referral hospitals - are down to 27, according to state Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney. “That’s 27 beds ... for everything.” It’s important to get that flu shot, he said. Beyond the flu shot, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu can reduce the severity of illness and shorten the duration. (WREG 12/07/22)
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