While many pediatric physicians were relieved to see respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) return to seasonally normal levels during the 2020-2021 winter, it has now become overshadowed by the formidable trio of infectious diseases: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. This phenomenon has been dubbed the “tripledemic,” and parents must understand what they can do to keep their kids safe.

Cases of RSV Rising

The percent of children aged 5-11 years who missed 11 or more days of school in the past year because of illness or injury was 3.3%. For many, cases of RSV was the primary cause. RSV, also known as Respiratory Syncytial Virus, is a virus that affects the lungs and breathing passages. It can cause severe respiratory illness in infants and young children, including bronchiolitis and pneumonia. Unfortunately, there is currently no vaccine approved for RSV, although pharmaceutical company Pfizer promises to make this a priority in the coming months.

Vaccines for COVID-19 and Flu

Vaccines are now available to protect against influenza and COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that everyone six months of age or older should get their annual flu vaccine as soon as it’s available each year. And while currently, there aren’t any approved vaccines specifically designed to prevent RSV infection; parents should be aware of other steps they can take to help protect their children from the transmission of viruses at home and school.

Best Practices

If your child shows any signs of RSV, such as trouble breathing, wheezing, coughing, and excessive mucus, pediatric physicians should be contacted as soon as possible. These pediatric physicians will be able to provide advice on how best to manage the infection and support recovery. Parents must also practice good hand hygiene, maintain social distancing when possible, and encourage their children to wear masks in public or around people outside their immediate family.

Most importantly, parents should talk with pediatric physicians about the steps they can take to protect their children from all three infectious diseases during this triple pandemic: COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. Some examples include vigorous handwashing, proper sanitization of frequently-touched surfaces, avoiding contact with people outside the home, and getting vaccinated against influenza and COVID-19 when appropriate.

The triple pandemic of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV is a formidable challenge for parents and pediatric physicians. However, parents can keep their children safe by understanding the risks associated with each disease and following best practices. For more help, call us today!

 

Posted February 27, 2023