Are we facing a Flu Crisis? Is it too late to get the Flu Shot?
In the past few days, I’ve received numerous calls and messages asking the same urgent questions:
👉 What exactly is happening this flu season?
👉 And is it already too late to get vaccinated? In this updated video, I explain the current respiratory illness crisis we’re seeing across the United States and why hospitals and emergency rooms are under increasing pressure.
🔹 What’s happening right now? We are experiencing a “Tripledemic” — a surge of: Influenza (Flu) RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus) COVID-19 All three illnesses present with similar symptoms and compete for the same healthcare resources, overwhelming hospitals, isolation rooms, and medical staff—especially in high-density and senior-living communities.
🔹 Why is the flu particularly concerning this year? Influenza Type A is the dominant strain The virus has undergone antigenic drift, meaning it has slightly changed from what scientists predicted Even vaccinated individuals may still get flu — but with far less severe illness
🔹 Is it too late to get a Flu Shot? Absolutely not. The best time to get vaccinated was yesterday The second-best time is today Even now, vaccination can significantly reduce severity, hospitalization, and complications Seniors should specifically request the high-dose or adjuvanted senior flu vaccine
🔹 Who should consider RSV vaccination? Adults 60 and older, or younger individuals with conditions such as: Diabetes Heart, lung, kidney, or liver disease High blood pressure
🔹 Practical advice if you get sick Stay home and follow universal precautions Hydrate well and rest Contact your primary care physician early (televisits are often enough) Protect seniors and vulnerable family members from exposure
🔹 No panic — but be proactive While there’s no reason to panic, flu remains a preventable disease, and the recent loss of children to flu is deeply concerning. Vaccination, early treatment, and responsible precautions can save lives.
🔹 Complete protection for respiratory season With: Flu vaccine RSV vaccine COVID vaccine Pneumonia vaccine (if eligible) You can be well protected throughout the respiratory season. I’ve been practicing medicine for 29 years, and I’ve seen these patterns before. My goal is not to create fear—but to help you stay informed, proactive, and safe.
📌 Have questions? Please leave them in the comments.
📌 Stay safe. Stay informed. Get vaccinated. — Dr. Kundlas