Meaning: 'Gather' means to come together or assemble in one place, especially for a common purpose, such as celebrating holidays.

Wrong options:

• hide: The word 'hide' implies concealment, which does not fit the context of people preparing to travel; it contradicts the idea of gathering for holidays.
• slumber: The term 'slumber' refers to sleeping, which is irrelevant to the context of travel and preparation for holidays.
• migrate: While 'migrate' suggests movement, it typically refers to seasonal or long-distance relocation, which does not accurately describe the action of people traveling for holidays.

Correct answer: facing

Explanation: The word 'facing' is appropriate here as it indicates that hospitals are confronting challenges, which fits the context of dealing with multiple health threats. It is in the present continuous tense, aligning with the ongoing situation described.

Meaning: 'Facing' means to confront or deal with something difficult or challenging, in this case, the simultaneous threats posed by various viruses.

Wrong options:

• accounting: The term 'accounting' refers to the process of recording financial transactions, which does not apply to the context of hospitals dealing with health threats.
• challenging: While 'challenging' could describe the situation, it does not function as a verb in this context and fails to convey the action of confronting the threats.
• constructing: The word 'constructing' implies building or creating, which is not relevant to the context of hospitals managing health crises.

Correct answer: response

Explanation: The word 'response' fits well as it refers to the actions taken in reaction to Covid, which is the context of the sentence. It indicates a direct relationship between the pandemic measures and the resulting low circulation of viruses.

Meaning: 'Response' means an action taken in reaction to a situation, in this case, the measures implemented to combat Covid.

Wrong options:

• comparison: The term 'comparison' refers to evaluating similarities or differences, which does not fit the context of actions taken during the pandemic.
• place: The word 'place' refers to a location, which does not convey the intended meaning of actions taken in reaction to Covid.
• order: The term 'order' implies a sequence or arrangement, which does not accurately describe the context of measures taken in response to the pandemic.

Correct answer: vulnerable

Explanation: The word 'vulnerable' is suitable as it describes a state of being at risk or susceptible to harm, which aligns with the context of people being more likely to contract flu and RSV due to lower immunity. It fits grammatically and contextually within the sentence.

Meaning: 'Vulnerable' means being open to harm or attack, particularly in terms of health, indicating that people are at greater risk this year.

Wrong options:

• attainable: The term 'attainable' refers to something that can be achieved, which does not relate to the context of health risks.
• sensible: The word 'sensible' implies being reasonable or practical, which does not accurately describe the health risks people face this year.
• accessible: The term 'accessible' means easy to approach or reach, which is not relevant to the context of health vulnerability.