"Tripledemic" RSV, Influenza, and COVID-19

With millions of Americans gathering for the holidays, health experts have voiced concern over the possibility of a “tripledemic”. Although there is no scientific definition for a “tripledemic”, it's used as a term to voice concern about three viruses, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), COVID-19, and influenza. All three of these viruses most commonly affect the respiratory system and often present with similar symptoms. The fear with the “tripledemic” is that infection rates for all three viruses will go up at the same time, for this reason, it is important to understand how to prevent the spread of the viruses, the difference between the three, and how they present symptomatically.

RSV is a common and highly contagious respiratory virus that causes cold-like symptoms and usually doesn’t require hospitalization. Majority of people are exposed to RSV by the age of 2, but during the COVID-19 pandemic, mask wearing, social distancing, and school closure all played a part in the reduction of non-COVID respiratory infections in children, including RSV. Because many children did not get exposed to the virus in recent years, hospitals across the country are experiencing record high numbers of RSV. Usually, RSV only causes mild cold symptoms, but young children and people with compromised immune systems may experience more serious symptoms. The good news is that RSV is not a new virus and health care providers know exactly how to treat it.

Influenza, also known as the flu, is a respiratory illness that is most commonly caused by the Influenza A and B virus. Similar to RSV, influenza has seasonal outbreaks that most commonly occur during the winter months. Most of the time people who contract the flu get better on their own but for young children, older adults, and people with compromised immune systems it can cause serious illness and even death. This is why it is important for people to receive their annual flu shot, which can prevent serious illness from occurring. Unlike RSV, which usually starts as a gradual illness, the flu causes a more abrupt onset of symptoms. A lot of people who contract the flu feel completely fine one day and then the next they feel very sick.

It is estimated that since 2019, the COVID-19 virus has been responsible for over 6 million deaths worldwide. Luckily the newest variants are not increasing the rate of hospitalizations. Symptoms of COVID can appear anywhere from 2-14 days after being infected with the virus and people infected with COVID have reported a range of symptoms. Unlike RSV and Influenza, people who get infected with COVID often complain of losing their sense of taste or smell. But it's important to note that not everyone with COVID experiences these symptoms and just because someone doesn’t experience them, doesn’t mean they don’t have COVID.

RSV, Influenza, and COVID are all respiratory viruses that present with similar symptoms but there are differences in how they are spread. In order to stay healthy and avoid becoming sick it is important to get vaccinated against COVID and Influenza. The vaccine for RSV is only available to babies and young children with compromised immune systems. But, since RSV spreads through direct contact, hand washing and cleaning commonly touched surfaces can prevent spread of the virus. In order to prevent the spread of all three viruses it is important to stay away from people who are sick and avoid areas with large crowds of people.

Citations:

“COVID-19 vs. RSV vs. FLU: How to tell the difference.” Childrens National Hospital, 3 November. 2022 COVID-19 vs. RSV vs. flu -

Children's National (childrensnational.org)

“Tripledemic: What Happens When Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Cases Collide.” YaleMedicine, 6 December, 2022, ‘Tripledemic:’ What Happens When Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Cases Collide? > News > Yale Medicine