(upbeat music) - I'm Starla Sampaco in the Crosscut KCTS-9 newsroom.

(tense music) Health officials are very concerned about the so-called tripledemic, COVID plus the flu and RSV.

But misinformation and confusion are also swirling in the air.

So here's what you need to know.

When it comes to RSV, young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems are more likely to get very sick from the respiratory virus.

Now, you don't need to stock up on toilet paper but you may want to have some masks on hand.

The state is not mandating masks at this time.

However, health officials are strongly advising everyone to wear a well-fitting mask like an N95 when around others indoors.

The Washington Department of Health also reports the spread of flu is very high at this time and 26 people have died from the flu this season.

I'm Starla Sampaco by nonprofit Northwest News every day on crosscut.com.

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