Health Experts Warn of Tripledemic Threat This Winter
Ahead of this winter season, experts warn of a threat of a “tripledemic” that would affect children around the nation. Hospitals nationwide are under threat of severe respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu) and COVID-19.
In the last couple of years, both the flu and COVID-19 have been prominent in the United States, but with the addition of RSV this year, there are new risks when catching any of these illnesses. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) surveillance has shown an increase in RSV detections and RSV-associated emergency department visits and hospitalizations in multiple U.S. regions, with some regions nearing winter seasonal peak levels.
RSV is the most common reason infants are hospitalized, according to Elizabeth Mack,
head of the pediatric critical care unit at the Medical University of South Carolina.
What Is RSV?
RSV is a common respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms. According to the CDC, virtually all children get an RSV infection by the time they are 2 years old. While adults may also catch the virus, most people recover in a week or two; however, RSV can be serious, especially for infants and older adults. Serious cases can cause severe illnesses such as bronchiolitis or pneumonia.
Common symptoms of RSV include fever, a runny nose and a cough. These symptoms are similar to those of the flu and COVID-19.
RSV tends to spread via surface droplets such as on high-touch areas. These areas may include toys, doorknobs, counter spaces and sinks.
The CDC estimates that 58,000 or more children under 5 are hospitalized in the United States each year due to RSV infection. Currently, data from the CDC shows more than 4,000 RSV cases are being reported every day, which compares with the rates of recent surges of RSV.
Why Are RSV Infection Rates Higher This Year?
After several years of mask-wearing and social distancing, people have become less resistant to diseases; this is especially true for young children, according to the health experts. Most children under 3 haven’t experienced life without COVID-19, and their immune systems haven’t been in a world without it.
With a winter season rolling around and previous COVID-19-related guidelines being lifted, health experts warn that young immune systems are being exposed to new viruses they haven’t been exposed to before.
What Is the Difference Between RSV, the Flu and COVID-19?
It can be almost impossible to tell the difference between RSV, the flu and COVID-19 symptoms. While there are rapid antigen tests for RSV, they aren’t as accessible as COVID-19 at-home tests.
As of this writing, vaccines for RSV are currently under development. While there are no current government-approved RSV vaccines, there are approved vaccines for the flu and COVID-19. The CDC recommends staying up to date on vaccines to best protect yourself and your children this year.
What’s Next?
Health experts are keeping an eye on the heightened threat of a tripledemic. It’s best to monitor for symptoms of RSV and other illnesses such as COVID-19 and the flu.
The CDC provides additional resources on RSV in infants and young children, including information on the virus and prevention steps for those at high risk of severe RSV infection.
If you think you or your child have RSV, it’s important to contact your physician immediately to determine the next steps for treatment and care. Contact your doctor today for more information on RSV, COVID-19 or the flu.
The content of this News Brief is of general interest and is not intended to apply to specific circumstances. It should not be regarded as legal advice and not be relied upon as such. In relation to any particular problem which they may have, readers are advised to seek specific advice. © 2022 Zywave, Inc. All rights reserved.