The “Tripledemic”: How 3 Respiratory Viruses Have Taken Over the Nation

The United States is facing what health experts are calling a “tripledemic,” which is a surge of three respiratory viruses: COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Each virus has been spreading at alarming rates that is overwhelming healthcare systems and workers. This collision of viruses across the United States and Globe is occurring at higher rates and ahead of the typical seasonal spikes. The “early severity of viral surges…underscores the need to take measures to slow the spread of illness over the holidays.”

Unfortunately, pandemic-related factors are driving this surge. COVID-19 restrictions which slowed the transmission of the SARS virus were also effective against influenza and RSV have led to a rebound due to the “convergence of these factors,” Professor Christopher Gill at Boston University says. Factors, such as herd immunity, seasonal patterns, and a lack of ability to develop effective immune defenses, led to the surge.

Hospitals, designed in anticipation of typical need, are exceeding capacity. Not only this, but shortages of common antibiotics are occuring due to increased demand and over-prescription of antibiotics for viral infections. There is also a shortage of kids Tylenol and ibuprofen.

Respiratory Syncytial Virus

The good news is that doctors and healthcare workers know how to treat children with RSV because it is not a new virus. Yet, the volume of sick children is overwhelming. In fact, RSV cases started appearing in the summer, which is virtually unheard of, and there remains no vaccine for RSV. The tripledemic is said to have “officially” begun when RSV showed up eight weeks early in August and September. The cases then skyrocketed through October and peaked at 263 hospitalizations statewide.

The virus spreads through contaminated surfaces, unlike COVID-19, so it is important to clean surfaces and wash your hands. It is still spreading at crisis levels in many areas despite peaking in some. Reduced exposure and immunity over the last two respiratory virus seasons due to pandemic precautions has led to more severe cases.

Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, also began its spread earlier than usual. The virus can spread from respiratory droplets and through contaminated surfaces. There were 78,000 hospitalizations and 4,500 deaths from the flu this season. Although, the flu is finally receding in most places.

In October, the beginning of a rise in flu cases began, just twelve weeks earlier than normal. The flu has appeared mostly in the emergency department, where patients come in saying they’re feeling bad despite a negative COVID-19 test.

COVID-19

The COVID-19 surge erupting is the current biggest threat due to a more transmissible variant. XBB.1.5 has taken over the United States and accounts for nearly a third of the new infections. This variant has a mutation that allows it to infect cells more easily than the other variants which makes it easier to catch.

How to Help

Most people aren’t wearing face masks anymore. However, masks still work to protect against the infection and transmission of respiratory viruses despite the fact that mandates will not realistically be re-implemented. So, health experts recommend masking up if symptomatic, in crowded indoor settings, or unvaccinated.

Ultimately, vaccinations are the surest way of helping to relieve the spread. Be sure to update your COVID-19 and flu shots. Although there is not an RSV vaccination, experts recommend cleaning surfaces and washing your hands often.

Last, but not least, stay home when you are sick.

Works Cited

True, Sarah. “The ‘tripledemic’ has landed: What is looks like, and what to do.” The Baltimore Banner, December 14, 2022. https://www.thebaltimorebanner.com/community/public-health/tripledemic-flu-rsv-covid-19-MJ77IV4YWRH4JCXNDGPEFEMDZ4/

Onque, Renee. “You really should mask up again, says infectious disease expert: The tripledemic is hitting ‘too fast and too furious.’” CNBC, December 22, 2022. https://www.cnbc.com/2022/12/22/covid-flu-rsv-tripledemic-means-masking-up-again-says-virus-expert.html

Murez, Cara. “Flu, RSV, COVID: Shield Yourself From the ‘Tripledemic’ This Holiday.” HealthDay, U.S. News, December 22, 2022. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2022-12-22/flu-rsv-covid-shield-yourself-from-the-tripledemic-this-holiday

Macmillan, Carrie. “‘Tripledemic:’ What Happens When Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Cases Collide?” Yale Medicine, December 6, 2022. https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/tripledemic-flu-rsv-and-covid-19

McKoy, Jillian. “RSV, Flu, and COVID: Understanding Today’s ‘Tripledemic.’” Boston University School of Public Health, December 9, 2022. https://www.bu.edu/sph/news/articles/2022/rsv-flu-and-covid-19-understanding-todays-tripledemic/

Stein, Rob. “CDC updates the status of the ‘tripledemic.’” All Things Considered, NPR, December 5, 2022. https://www.npr.org/2022/12/05/1140806412/cdc-updates-the-status-of-the-tripledemic

Stein, Rob. “RSV recedes and flu peaks as a new COVID variant shoots ‘up like a rocket.’” All Things Considered, NPR, January 6, 2022. https://www.npr.org/sections/health-shots/2023/01/06/1147372029/new-covid-omicron-subvariant-spreading-fast-data