Dubai, United Arab Emirates (CNN) — The United States faces a triple threat with simultaneous viral infections caused by respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza, and coronavirus.
Many children’s hospitals are overwhelmed by high rates of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infection, while influenza is at its highest level in more than a decade at this point in the year.
After a period of stagnation in the number of cases, new infections caused by the coronavirus are increasing across the country as well.
And all this is happening as the holiday season begins, with more people traveling, congregating indoors, and potentially fewer precautionary measures than in two years ago.
CNN medical analyst Dr. Lena Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University, answers some of the questions you might have about this situation.
Why should people be concerned about the coexistence of RSV, influenza, and coronavirus?
Lena Wayne: There are several reasons to be concerned about what is referred to as the tripledemic, and the first is its impact on the societal level.
Already, children’s hospitals across the United States are filled with children infected with viruses, including respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza.
Some experts believe this is due to an immunity gap as a result of mitigation measures taken over the past two years.
And the situation is so bad that children’s health leaders have requested an official declaration of a state of emergency from the administration of US President Joe Biden to better help these hospitals.
When hospitals exceed capacity, patient care suffers.
People who come to the emergency department end up waiting longer because there are not enough staff to take care of them.
These delays can be harmful, even deadly.
Who are the people who should be most careful during this period?
Lena Wayne: The people who need to be most careful are the ones most likely to develop serious illnesses.
This includes older people, newborns, and people with multiple chronic medical conditions.
These are the people most at risk of contracting the virus, and what might be considered a mild infection for a healthy adult can lead to hospitalization.
Another group that should consider caution is those who have direct contact with people who are at high risk.
Can people be infected with the three viruses?
Lena Wayne: In theory, yes.
Over the course of a year, absolutely anyone can contract all three viruses.
But in general, they don’t get them all at the same time.
The phrase “triple epidemic” refers to all three viruses that are beginning to increase in a population at the same time, not necessarily in the same person, at the same time.
What steps can be taken to reduce risks and keep us safe?
Lena Wayne: COVID-19 and influenza vaccines exist to prevent severe illness and death.
The Corona virus is transmitted through the air, and good ventilation helps reduce the spread, so it will be safer to gather with others outdoors than to gather indoors.
Indoor spaces can be less dangerous if there is improved ventilation, for example through open doors and windows, and the use of HEPA filters.
Influenza and respiratory syncytial virus are mainly spread through droplets.
People should stay away from those who are coughing or sneezing, and individuals with symptoms should avoid public places.
It is essential for everyone to wash their hands well and frequently.
This is especially important for young children, who often put their hands in their mouths.
Should measures such as wearing masks and social distancing return?
Lena Wayne: My point is that regressive measures from any level of government should be for really difficult circumstances, in which there are no other options, and in the event that a new variant appears that is highly contagious, more dangerous, and more resistant to existing vaccines, for example.
This is not the case at present.
However, the impossibility of applying the measures across all sectors does not mean that people should not take care of themselves.