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The Tripledemic
By: L.B
As we gear up for the cold season, it's crucial to adopt proactive measures to safeguard ourselves and our loved ones against COVID-19, flu, and RSV. Dr. Mandy Cohen, the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, highlights the significance of educating the public on these three viruses and the ways to protect against them.
Here is the things to do to stay safe
While the spread of respiratory viruses has remained low, there has been a slight uptick in positive COVID-19 tests and Covid-related emergency department visits, with a plateauing decline in COVID-19 hospitalizations. The Omicron XBB subvariants continue to be the most prevalent form of COVID-19. The World Health Organization's identification of the EG.5 version as becoming more prevalent globally and in the U.S. may suggest some impact on public health, but it's reassuring to know that COVID-19 shots remain effective against the virus.
This fall, the U.S. will have access to vaccines for respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) for the first time. The FDA has already approved a monoclonal antibody injection to help prevent RSV for children up to age 2, and the first RSV vaccine for pregnant women may get approval next month. Earlier this year, two other RSV vaccines for adults ages 60 and over were also approved. All these developments can significantly reduce the number of RSV cases, especially in infants and older adults.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19, flu, and RSV is crucial this fall. However, this poses a challenge for the healthcare system, as it will require many Americans to get three different vaccinations. Dr. William Schaffner, an infectious diseases expert and professor of preventive medicine at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, emphasizes the need for careful planning and execution to ensure that everyone gets proper protection against these viruses. My sister said, “I was diagnosed with the flu and was not able to go to school, and I don’t like it. I can’t see my friends and I am lonely in my room.”
The amount of cases of RSV around the USA.
With the right measures in place, we can confidently prepare for the upcoming cold and flu season and protect ourselves and our communities. It's important to note that combining flu and COVID vaccines doesn't appear to reduce the effectiveness of either shot and while some may be concerned about getting three shots at once, it's essential to consult with a healthcare professional and make an informed decision.
Author Bio:
L.B. is an avid reader and talented artist. She spends most of her time in the library reading books and drawing detailed lifelike portraits of people and cats, capturing their true expressions.
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