JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL) – As we brace for the upcoming flu season, medical professionals and infectious disease specialists are predicting a moderate wave, echoing last year’s experience.

Jamie Swift, Ballad Health’s Chief Infection Prevention Officer, highlighted the presence of the three main viral respiratory illnesses that will be seen in the region: influenza, COVID-19, and RSV. Swift noted, “When you have that much circulation, it does lead to increased visits, increased hospitalizations, and increased deaths. 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) provided a stark reminder of the impact these viruses can have. Last year’s flu season saw an estimated 1 million hospitalizations and over 130,000 deaths. In the same period, COVID-19 was responsible for 540,000 hospital admissions and 63,000 deaths.

“People forget this, but these viruses can cause severe illness,” Swift emphasized. “You might have a very mild case, and the very next person may be in a hospital fighting for their life. And that happens every single year unfortunately.”

Of particular concern to Swift is the data revealing 280 pediatric flu deaths last year—the highest number recorded since tracking began in 2004. This troubling statistic points to a significant drop in vaccination rates, underscoring the need for increased public health efforts to promote vaccinations.

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.