Every winter brings a wave of respiratory illnesses, but this year, doctors say the surge looks different and more expensive. Adults are showing up in emergency rooms with severe breathing problems, high fevers, and complications that escalate faster than expected. While RSV, flu, and COVID‑19 are all circulating, one virus is sending adults to the ER at higher rates and driving up medical bills nationwide.
Many people assume they can tell these illnesses apart, but symptoms overlap so much that even doctors rely on testing to confirm the cause. So, what is sending so many people to the ER? Here’s everything you need to know.
