High levels of COVID-19, RSV and influenza may continue for weeks, ‘maybe even months’, CDC warns

2022 is not even over, and yet, flu has already reached its peak, the respiratory syncytial virus, known as RSVincreased pediatric emergency room visits and COVID-19 Hospitalizations rise in the United States.

It’s what many call the “triple epidemic” – a collision of the three viruses that have strained the healthcare system. Doctors have warned that the surge of these viruses will occur simultaneously this winter – and it looks like the US is now in the middle of it.

“Unfortunately, it looks like we are,” Dr. Tia Babu, an infectious disease expert at the University of Washington, told FOX television stations. “We are seeing an increase in RSV, influenza and COVID-19 which is starting to increase slightly in our country right now.”

The Centers for Disaster Control and Prevention told FOX that the United States is currently experiencing high levels of all three viruses – and high activity may not be slowing down anytime soon.

“We anticipate that elevated levels of respiratory virus activity could continue for several weeks or even months,” a CDC spokesperson warned.

While experts aren’t sure exactly what’s causing the earlier-than-usual peak of these viruses, theories include decreased mitigation measures (less face coverings, social distancing) and increased indoor activity.

“It’s very concerning, I think, for all of us,” Babu continued, adding, “We’re looking forward to it right now as infectious disease doctors.”

Increase in hospitalizations for RSV

Although RSV is a very common virus, with many children get RSV by the time they reach the age of 2, hospitalizations this year, in particular, are on the rise.

CDC monitoring recently showed an increase in RSV detections, RSV-associated emergency room visits and RSV Hospitalizations in several areas of the United States, with some areas approaching seasonal peak levels.

“The burden on our hospitals right now is extremely high,” Babu added.

According to Children’s Mercy, RSV usually occurs in the winter, starting around November. In 2020, there were very few RSVs in the Kansas City area and in the United States. This was likely related to wearing masks, washing hands and distancing, all of which decrease the spread of respiratory viruses, including the viruses that cause COVID-19 and RSV. .

Yet earlier this month the hospital said it had reached capacity with sick children, FOX 4 in Kansas City reported. Medical staff have been treating RSV and influenza cases since October.

“We activated our emergency plans,” Dr. Jennifer Watts, chief medical officer for emergency management, told FOX 4. “We activated them a few weeks ago. We continue to find overflow spaces We continue to develop creative ways to care for We are developing plans to address these issues, but it is certainly concerning to see these numbers increase.

Symptoms of COVID-19, RSV and Influenza

All three are respiratory viruses that can easily be confused with each other, due to similar symptoms. And while testing is still the best way to determine which virus you might have, there are a few small differences between the three that might give you an idea of ​​which one you’ve contracted.

“Because multiple respiratory viruses co-circulate, many of which have similar symptoms, testing is important to determine the appropriate treatment,” the CDC continued.

RSV can cause cough, runny nose and fever, and one of the RSV symptoms is wheezing or rattling when someone breathes. In some cases, this can lead to serious illnesses like bronchiolitis, swelling of the small airways in the lungs, or pneumonia.

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One of the most distinctive signs of the flu is a high fever, reaching 103 or 104 degrees Fahrenheit. It can also cause nausea and vomiting, as well as fever, chills, fatigue, and headache. Children under 5, and especially those under 2, are at higher risk for flu-related complications, including dehydration, ear and sinus infections, inflammation of heart or brain tissue and pneumonia.

COVID-19 has similar symptoms to influenza and RSV, but unlike these viruses, it can have a major effect on bodily systems outside of the lungs, even causing the illness known as “long COVID”. “. Symptoms of COVID-19 include a cough, headache, shortness of breath, loss of taste or smell, diarrhea and more.

How can Americans stay safe?

“During the winter season, more people typically congregate indoors with less ventilation. And with the holidays fast approaching, we also know that many people will be traveling, gathering and socializing with loved ones,” added the CDC.

That’s why the CDC said it’s “critical” that everyone takes action to reduce the burden of respiratory disease.

According to the agency, this includes getting your recommended COVID-19 and flu shots and taking daily preventative measures such as covering your cough and sneeze, staying away from sick people, staying home if you are sick and wash your hands.

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“The updated COVID-19 vaccines and this year’s flu shots have been formulated to protect against currently circulating viruses, the CDC explained, adding that they can reduce the risk of serious illness and death.

As of Monday, only 14.1% of Americans over the age of 5 had been vaccinated with the latest COVID-19 Reminder shot.

The CDC notes that there are also prescription drugs that can be used to treat influenza and COVID-19 illness, which are especially important for people who are at higher risk for complications from respiratory illnesses.

An intensive care nurse takes care of a patient with respiratory syncytial virus who is being ventilated in the children’s intensive care unit at the Olgahospital in Stuttgart. (Credit: Marijan Murat/picture alliance via Getty Images)

To be most effective, the CDC says these treatments should be started as soon as possible for patients hospitalized with the flu or COVID-19, people who are very sick with the virus but do not need hospitalization, and people flu. or COVID-19 who are at higher risk of serious complications due to their age or medical condition.

The agency recommends that you consider wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask which can help reduce the spread of respiratory viruses – especially in certain circumstances like crowded community settings or when someone is sick or at higher risk of respiratory disease.

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If you get sick with the flu and COVID-19, there are now prescription antiviral medications that can be used to treat the illness, but these treatments should be started within days of the first symptoms appearing to be more effective.

Doctors said the spread of RSV can also be prevented by washing your hands for at least 20 seconds, keeping away from sick people and covering coughs and sneezes.

There are currently no antiviral drugs to treat RSV, but health officials say parents should see a doctor if their children are having difficulty breathing.

“My biggest recommendation is to get vaccinated,” Babu explained. “I can’t stress it enough.”

This story was reported from Los Angeles. FOX 5 New York contributed.