Worldwide Triple Outbreak: RSV, Flu, and Covid
What is the Tripledemic?
Members of the health community are becoming increasingly more concerned with the rise of three respiratory illnesses, all of which are gaining traction at the same time, which is overwhelming hospitals and medical centres. According to the CDC and other national health organisations, this tripledemic threat is definitely a cause for concern. If the numbers keep increasing as they do, hospitals and ICUs will continue to see a rise in both adults and children experiencing symptoms related to COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
While this threat has hit the USA, Canada, Europe and other regions who are experiencing winter, the tripledemic has not yet hit the Southern hemisphere. It is expected that the coming colder winter months may however follow the trends experienced in the North! Though the surge has not yet hit Australia, according to statistics released by Gavi.org, we may be in for a rise in cases as experienced in the north as the colder months approach!
What are the Three Viruses That We Can Encounter?
The three viruses that make up the tripledemic are COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). According to healthychildren.org, the symptoms of each of these illnesses are very similar as they each impact the respiratory function of the person infected. This can often make it hard to diagnose and treat as many testing symptoms can often take days for results. While Covid-19 has been a disease that has been present in our lives for the last few years, seeing a rise in cases related to RSV and influenza has also been of great concern. According to YaleMedicine, over the last year, cases of RSV and flu have been occurring much more frequently and as Covid-19 is still very much a cause for concern. While the summer months in Australia have protected the majority of the population from an outbreak, this winter, precautions should be put in place.
What are the Causes of the Tripledemic?
One of the biggest issues that have been noted when it comes to the rise of the tripledemic is that precautions are beginning to drop following Covid-19. While throughout the pandemic, restrictions and precautions were not just suggested but enforced thanks to various laws and restrictions that were in place, following this pandemic, these precautions have begun to fall away. Over the last two years, the various restrictions and use of masks have meant that we were well protected from not just covid-19, but other illnesses as well.
As the restrictions have lessened and the world has once again begun to function normally, the reintroduction of these illnesses has caused an influx of patients! Not being exposed to these illnesses over the last two years has meant that we do not have the necessary antibodies that are usually built up through exposure to fighting off an infection. This has meant an increasing number of people are all getting sick at the same time. This has caused a rise in cases related to the tripledemic!
What is the Difference Between Flu, Covid and RSV?
One of the most notable differences between tripledemic symptoms is the incubation period. Flu has an incubation period of around two days, meaning that most people who are exposed to the flu virus tend to develop symptoms about two days after this exposure. RSV typically takes around four to six days before symptoms appear and Covid-19 can take anywhere from two days to fourteen. These differing incubation periods can give a doctor a hint as to which of these three diseases you may have caught, but only if you are certain about the day of exposure. As you can catch any of these three illnesses just about anywhere, most people are not sure where they may have picked the disease up.
What are the Symptoms of the Three Viruses?
Though the symptoms related to these three viruses are very similar, there are a couple of important differences that can help you to determine which of them you may have. Though using symptoms as a way to diagnose what you may have can help, this diagnostic method should always be accompanied by an actual test! Knowing which of the three illnesses related to the tripledemic you have can ensure you treat your symptoms properly and quarantine for the correct amount of time! The following is a look at the symptoms associated with these three viruses.
The Symptoms of Covid-19
A big part of Covid prevention is being able to diagnose before you have the chance to spread the disease to those around you. Using the symptoms that you may be experiencing to do this can be beneficial. The following is a look at some of the most common symptoms related to Covid-19.
- Fever or chills
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of taste or smell
- Body aches
- Headaches
- Sore throat
The above symptoms are often felt in those who have tested positive for Covid-19, though an individual may not experience all of these. One of the main issues with diagnosing Covid-19 using the symptoms that you experience is that they often range in severity. If you think that you have Covid-19, it is incredibly important to take a test!
RSV Symptoms
Knowing the symptoms of RSV can help you determine whether the discomfort you've been feeling is indeed due to this disease. Both the elderly population and infants are particularly vulnerable to RSV infections. This vulnerability is even more pronounced in children under six months old, as well as in those with conditions that could affect their immune system or lung function. A large part of RSV prevention is limiting the spread of the disease by quarantining if you have been diagnosed. If you think you may have RSV, these are the most common symptoms to look out for.
- Decreased appetite
- Fever
- Runny nose and sneezing
- Coughing
- Wheezing or difficulty breathing
Looking out for the above symptoms can help you to determine whether they may be RSV, but a RSV test should always be done to confirm this! Though the tripledemic diseases do have many similarities in the symptoms that they each are associated with, a test will be able to determine which one you have!
Flu Symptoms
Knowing what influenza symptoms are most commonly associated with those who have gotten the flu can be extremely beneficial when it comes to influenza prevention and stopping the spread of the tripledemic. The following is a look at some of the most common symptoms associated with the flu.
- Fever or chills
- Stuffy nose
- Sore throat
- Fatigue
- Muscle aches
Though the above are the most commonly experienced symptoms related to flu, you may only experience a few of these. Use a test to ensure that you have been correctly diagnosed to ensure you follow the correct treatment and quarantine plans.
How Do We Know Which Virus We Have Caught?
Using your symptoms as a way to determine whether or not you have been infected with one of the tripledemic diseases can be tricky as they all have very similar symptoms. The TouchBio RSV, Flu A/B and Covid-19 Combo Rapid Antigen Test can be used to detect the presence of RSV, Covid-19 and influenza A and B. This rapid antigen test is extremely beneficial and can be kept on hand for when you feel like you have RSV, Covid-19 or flu-like symptoms coming on. These tests give results in 15 minutes and can be done on yourself, ensuring that you do not expose anyone else to the germs you may be carrying!
How Can We Protect Ourselves From Getting These Viruses?
Being able to protect yourself from flu, Covid-19 and RSV is extremely important. As these diseases are each transferred through germs that are picked up from another individual who has got the disease, hygiene is one of the best preventative measures to ensure you are not exposed. One of the best ways to protect yourself from viruses associated with the tripledemic is to use products that keep your hands clean and free from germs as well as surface wipes to clean frequently touched objects. Finding a good and effective hand sanitiser can be a great way to ensure that you are not exposing yourself to harmful germs! Along with this, keeping the surfaces you frequently touch disinfected is also incredibly important.
Stay Protected, Diagnosed and Treated
Our team has developed a comprehensive line of products to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe amidst the rising threat of the 'tripledemic'. Among these are our best-selling TouchBio antibacterial hand wash, antibacterial hand wipes, and disinfectant products. Using these tools to keep your hands and surfaces free from germs, bacteria, and viruses can greatly reduce your risk and ensure that you are not picking up or carrying any harmful pathogens, thus providing effective protection against the tripledemic this winter!
In addition to our physical products, we are also proud to introduce the TouchBio Care online doctor service. This service is designed to provide you with essential information and guidance on how to further prevent the impact of the tripledemic on your life.
References:
https://www.health.gov.au/news/ahppc-statement-on-winter-season-preparedness
https://www.yalemedicine.org/news/tripledemic-flu-rsv-and-covid-19
