Niamh Harris – Experts are warning that a tripledemic is heading our way this winter.

Quick get your jabs!

The trio of viral threats includes respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), influenza (flu) and of course COVID which are expected to start circulating over the next few months (typical winter then!)

Federal health authorities are urging Americans to stay up to date on all vaccines to avoid slowing down the healthcare system over the cold season.

According to CNN: State and local health officials across the United States are bracing for a rise in respiratory illnesses this fall, and they are making plans to urge everyone who is eligible to get vaccinated against Covid-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus once those shots become available.

“We are very, very concerned about the upcoming pan-respiratory season,” Dr. Marcus Plescia, chief medical officer for the Association of State and Territorial Health Officials, said in a briefing Wednesday.

Local health departments will work with their state and federal counterparts to encourage eligible people to get their flu shots, updated Covid-19 boosters and RSV vaccines, says Lori Tremmel Freeman, chief executive officer of the National Association of County and City Health Officials.

“The focus for the fall will be clear and integrated messaging, especially for people who are most at risk, because we’re talking about a unique new normal of coexisting respiratory viruses,” she said. “There’s conscientious thought being given to how to communicate this. It’s really about public health and keeping everybody safe during a season when respiratory diseases happen.”

On a national scale, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention also is preparing for the threat of respiratory illnesses this fall.

“Protecting against respiratory diseases this fall is a central focus for CDC. Efforts will include preparing Americans for what to expect, helping them understand the risk for illness in their communities, and providing information on how they can protect themselves,” spokesperson Kathleen Conley said in an email. “CDC will use every lever at its disposal to help people understand how they can protect themselves and their families from serious illness, including staying up to date on their vaccinations.”

SF Source The People’s Voice Oct 2023