JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – Medical professionals and specialists in infectious diseases predict another average flu season this year, akin to last year’s trends.

According to Jamie Swift, Chief Infection Prevention Officer at Ballad Health, the community will continue to confront the trio of major viral respiratory threats: influenza, COVID-19, and RSV.

Swift explained, “With such widespread circulation, we see a rise in medical visits, hospital admissions, and fatalities. Even what we call a moderate season results in a significant amount of serious illness.”

Data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reveals that last year, around 1 million individuals were hospitalized with the flu, and over 130,000 succumbed to the virus. During the same timeframe, there were 540,000 hospitalizations and 63,000 deaths attributed to COVID-19.

Swift highlighted a common misconception, stating, “People often overlook the severity these viruses can cause. While one person might experience mild symptoms, another could be battling for their life in a hospital. This unfortunate reality occurs annually.”

Swift said they’re concerned with recent national data showing 280 pediatric patients died from the flu last year, the highest number of deaths among children since they started tracking it back in 2004. She said the data suggests that considerably lower vaccination rates are to blame.

“That 2025 season, unfortunately, was just one of the worst that we’ve experienced,” Swift said. “And so what we know and what the data shows is 89% of those kids that passed away from flu or complications were not vaccinated. And so I think that stresses to us the importance of making sure that you get that vaccine, you get it timely.”

Sullivan County Regional Medical Director Dr. Stephen May called last year the worst he’s seen in some time.

“Last year was a bad year,” May said. “We had decreased uptake of the vaccine. We weren’t able to get it as effectively into our pediatric populations. And as a result, last year was a bad year.”

He said the key is prevention, and while you still may get sick from the flu, COVID-19, or RSV, he recommends getting the vaccines to significantly lower your risk of being hospitalized.

“Certainly, we have avenues of treatment, but no one wants to be sick,” May said. “And certainly we don’t want to make our family members sick because of us. So be nice to your fellow human being. Take care of yourself, take care of your family, and prevent the spread of these diseases.”

May said that Oct. 21 is Fight Flu Day, when free vaccination clinics will be set up across the state to make them available and easily accessible for everyone. All locations and times can be found by clicking here.