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Tripledemic - Flu, RSV, and Covid at the Same Time

Dec 19, 2022

Urgent Care

Tripledemic - Flu, RSV, and Covid at the Same Time

Currently, the US is facing a Tripledemic, where three respiratory diseases, i.e., COVID-19, influenza (flu), and the Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), are spreading quickly simultaneously. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has reduced in intensity, with cases occurring daily, but RSV cases are spiking. Additionally, we are also experiencing the flu season. Continue reading to learn the differences between these three diseases.

What’s the Difference Between the Flu, COVID-19, and RSV?

The influenza virus causes the flu, while COVID-19 is caused by the novel SARS-CoV-2 virus. The respiratory syncytial virus causes RSV and can severely affect kids and the elderly. Approximately 58,000-80,000 children are hospitalized due to RSV annually.

COVID-19 VS. the Flu Vs. RSV symptoms

The difference between flu, RSV and COVID-19 symptoms include the following:

Symptom
COVID-19Flu
RSV
Fever100°F or more100°-102°F100°F or more
Headachemay or may not occurusually occurMild headache
Fatiguemay or may not occurusually occurmay or may not occurs
Shortness of Breathusually occursmay or may not occurShort, shallow, slow or rapid breathing
Runny Nosemay or may not occurmay or may not occurusually occur
Stuffy Nosemay or may not occurmay or may not occurusually occur
Sneezingmay or may not occurmay or may not occurusually occur
Sore Throatmay or may not occurmay or may not occurusually occur
Diarrhea
may or may not occurmay or may not occurmay or may not occur

Could RSV Be Mistaken for Coronavirus or Influenza?

COVID-19, the flu, and RSV have common symptoms like cough, runny nose, and fever. You can get infected with RSV and COVID at the same time. However, an RSV infection can be differentiated by its unique symptom of wheezing or rattling breath.

How to Shield Your Family from Respiratory Viruses?

Some tips to protect your family from respiratory diseases include:

  • Wear a mask in crowded indoor areas.
  • If you’re ill, don’t go out, and stay away from the kids.
  • Clean your hands frequently.
  • Get vaccinated against the flu and COVID-19.
  • Cover your mouth while coughing.
  • Protect kids with heart or lung issues or aged below six months by keeping them away from infected persons.

When to Call a Doctor?

Get medical help if you’ve severe flu symptoms like a sore throat, trouble breathing, and cough with excessive mucus or if your RSV symptoms worsen or don’t subside within seven days. Additionally, seek medical help if you suspect a COVID-19 infection. If you’re a COVID-19 patient experiencing symptoms like breathlessness, increased confusion, constant pain, or pressure in your chest, then get immediate medical attention.

Why is Testing Important?

The COVID-19 pandemic hasn’t subsided completely. Therefore, getting yourself tested for COVID-19 and other respiratory diseases helps to identify and treat them quickly. It also minimizes the chances of community spread of the conditions.

Though vaccines against the flu and COVID-19 are already available, researchers have yet to be able to develop a successful RSV vaccine. Though medicines are available to protect high-risk kids from RSV, the best method to protect your family from most respiratory diseases is to follow proper sanitization measures and limit contact with infected persons. Additionally, get adequate medical advice if your child or elderly loved one has a high risk of contracting a respiratory disease.

Contact the MI Express Urgent Care in Ann Arbor & Canton MI for expert medical help if you suspect a COVID-19, flu, or RSV infection. We’re well-equipped to ensure early detection and treatment of lung infections.

FAQs

  1. RSV and COVID: Why is RSV so Bad Right Now?RSV cases dropped in 2020 due to COVID-19 restrictions such as sanitization, social distancing, and wearing masks. However, relaxed COVID-19 restrictions in 2022 caused RSV cases to spike by 60%.
  2. Is RSV Contagious?Yes, RSV is contagious and can spread through coughing, sneezing, direct contact with the infected person, and touching infected surfaces.
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