The Tripledemic: What You Need to Know

Winter and the holidays are a magical time of the year for many. People gather from far and near to get together. As you spend more time indoors with your loved ones, you must consider your health. This year three illnesses, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), COVID-19, and influenza (flu) have collided to form a “tripledemic.” Although this name is unofficial, it reflects these illnesses’ collision. COVID-19, RSV, and the flu are expected during the winter because of festivities and the increase in indoor activities.

The Tripledemic

This year is unique because the three illnesses are occurring all at once. While it’s not uncommon for people to have the flu or children to have RSV during the winter, the addition of a potential COVID-19 surge is worrisome. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) reports that 77.07% of inpatient and 75.45% of intensive care unit (ICU) beds are filled across the country. As winter takes hold, RSV and flu season will increase the risk of hospitals being at or over full capacity. The addition of a potential surge in COVID-19 adds to the strain many hospitals are experiencing. The good news is that RSV, COVID-19, and the flu aren’t reaching peak levels simultaneously.

Why is There a Tripledemic This Year?

Unlike other seasons the health precautions during COVID-19 have decreased the number of RSV and flu cases among children and adults. As people have discontinued the use of masks, the risk of infection has increased. Children under the age of three have not built immunity against RSV, and if they become infected, they may have an increased risk of breathing difficulties.

Additionally, because of mask mandates and recommendations, the transmission of the flu decreased.

RSV

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines RSV as “a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms.” Parents and adults should be cautious of the illness because it is highly contagious.

RSV primarily affects children. RSV will have infected most children by their second birthday. With that infection comes some immunity decreasing the risks of future infections. But, unlike other seasons, the health precautions during COVID-19 have reduced the number of RSV cases among children and adults. As people have discontinued the use of masks, the risk of infection has increased.

When infected, most will recover from RSV within a week or two. However, infants and older adults face an increased risk of severe symptoms. Those who are immunocompromised are also at risk of severe symptoms.

In the past, RSV numbers peak during December and January. However, this year cases of RSV were reported in the summer and have continued into the winter. According to Yale University’s records of reported cases of RSV, the numbers are decreasing. Unfortunately, as RSV cases fall, cases of COVID-19 and the flu are increasing.

RSV is transmitted through:

• Virus droplets from a cough or sneeze
• Direct contact with a person who has RSV
• Touching a surface with the RSV virus on it
  
  

The Flu

This year the flu season may look different than recent seasons. During mask mandates and recommendations were implemented, the number of flu cases reported dropped. Unfortunately, since many people stopped wearing masks, the risk of catching the flu has increased.

Anyone can have the flu at any time throughout the year. However, peak months or flu season occurs during the fall and winter.The number of cases reported begins to increase during October and peaks from December to February. The CDC said approximately ten million flu-like illnesses were reported across the United States by early December. To learn more or to keep track of cases in your area, the CDC publishes a weekly U.S. influenza surveillance report (FLUVIEW) that tracks seasonal flu activity across the country. You can also visit your local or state health website to keep up to date.

The onset of flu symptoms can be quick. Some symptoms of the flu include:

• Fever, chills, or both
• Cough
• Sore throat
• Body or muscle aches
• Stuffy or running nose
• Aches – muscle, head, or body
• Exhaustion
  
  

Most cases of influenza range from mild to severe symptoms. There are instances when the flu can lead to pneumonia or death. Suppose you or a loved one is immunocompromised, over 65, or has respiratory issues like those from a spinal cord injury. You may want to talk to your doctor about preventing or decreasing infection.

Experts believe that when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks to or near you, they are more likely to pass the flu to you. The droplets from those interactions can infect anyone within six feet. Experts believe that when a person with the flu coughs, sneezes, or talks to or near you, they are more likely to pass the flu to you.

COVID-19

COVID-19 continues to branch into variants and subvariants. With each mutation, there is the risk of the new variant or subvariant creating a surge in cases. This winter, the predominant mutations are the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants of COVID-19’s variant Omicron. Current vaccines and boosters can provide some protection against the BQ.1 and BQ.1.1 subvariants because these subvariants come from the BA variant of Omicron. Current boosters have prevented or reduced the symptoms of the BA variant of Omicron.

However, following the CDC’s recommendations regarding vaccines and boosters is essential. The CDC’s COVID-19 tracker has noted a 50% increase in COVID-19 infections and death recently in a one-week period (Nov. 30 - Dec. 7, 2022). Johns Hopkins University recently released a report saying there have been over 100 million confirmed COVID-19 cases and over 1 million confirmed deaths due to COVID-19 in the United States since the start of the pandemic.

COVID-19 is transmitted through close contact with someone who is infected. Droplets from an infected person’s mouth or nose can:

• Pass through the air (short range) and be inhaled or
• Contaminate surfaces
  
  

A poorly ventilated or crowded indoor setting is also a high-risk setting