Diseases and Infections
Canadian healthcare systems are
overwhelmed with “tridemic”, which is a triple epidemic threat of Covid 19, Influenza
and RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus). The threat has been considered as a
serious issue since nearly 20,000 people were hospitalized from the flu, which
is nearly double the number from previous week.
The World Health Organization has
released a warning that cases of respiratory illnesses are increasing this
year, and severe measures are being examined globally to stop the virus spread.
Public health experts warned that although the majority of Covid, influenza virus,
and RSV cases are expected to be mild, but combined they might infect millions
of people and overcrowd hospitals.
It has been estimated that there
have been 8.7 million
illnesses, 78,000 hospitalizations, and 4,500 deaths from the flu this season
in Canada. This count can become similar in other countries as well if
precautionary measures are not taken. RSV
predominantly affects the children, because of their lower immunity level. It
can lead to more severe conditions like bronchiolitis, an infection of the
small airways in the lung, which is especially dangerous for small and
premature infants. Adults with weakened immune systems are
also more likely to develop significant COVID-19 and flu infections as well as
RSV complications. It is important the everyone understands the difference between covid and flu.
Health experts
predict that there is a massive spread of the virus as people are happily
gearing up for the Christmas and New Year without any restrictions. “We are officially in respiratory
viral season. That includes everything you can think of from the common cold to
more severe illnesses, and it has begun with a vengeance,” said Dr.
Michelle Barron, senior medical director of infection prevention and
control for UC Health and one of the top
infectious disease experts in Colorado.
People might travel
to and from various countries and so there are high chances of the virus to
spread. Reduced mask use, loosened travel restrictions, and low COVID-19 and flu vaccination rates are the potential factors in
the increased transmission of the illnesses. Therefore, people are often advised
to wear their masks regularly in the public place, wash their hands often, to
maintain social distancing, and to have a healthy immune food.
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 and the flu is the only way to stay safe during the potential tridemic, since there are no vaccines found yet for the RSV virus. However, Pfizer is committed to developing an RSV vaccine that may be administered directly to adults as well as indirectly to infants via maternal immunization. Since people with low immunity are more susceptible to the virus, everyone must maintain a healthy diet and a robust immune system to stay safe from the tridemic.
Tags:
A tridemic refers to a triple epidemic threat, in this case involving Covid-19, Influenza, and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV).
Children, especially small and premature infants, are particularly vulnerable to RSV. Adults with weakened immune systems are at higher risk for severe complications from all three viruses.
Key protective measures include wearing masks in public places, frequent hand washing, maintaining social distancing, getting vaccinated against Covid-19 and flu, and maintaining a healthy diet to boost immunity.