PSA: Health Question of the Week 

What should I do to protect myself from the “Tripledemic” – RSV, COVID-19 and Flu?

The “Tripledemic” is a term that some public health leaders and the news media are using to describe the current spread of three respiratory illnesses: COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).

Many precautions can help you stay healthy and reduce your chances of getting sick with or spreading these three illnesses. Here are a few of the most important and effective measures:

1. Get vaccinated and boosted. You should get a flu shot if you haven’t already this year, and stay up-to-date with COVID-19 vaccinations with an updated booster dose. Everyone ages six months and older can be vaccinated against flu and COVID-19. There is no vaccine to prevent RSV.
2. Wash your hands. Washing your hands is simple and essential in preventing the spread of viruses like RSV, flu, and COVID-19. Read more from the CDC about how and when to wash your hands.
3. Wear a mask. Wearing a high-quality, well-fitting mask effectively reduces the spread of COVID-19, and data show it also likely reduces the transmission of other respiratory illnesses like RSV and flu.
4. Stay home if you’re sick. If you’re feeling unwell, you should stay home and away from others. You should also test for COVID-19.
5. Contact your healthcare provider. Consult your healthcare provider if you have questions about your health, testing and treatment, especially if you or your child are at high risk for complications from flu, RSV or COVID-19. There are effective treatments for COVID-19 and flu, but both need to be administered early in the course of the illness to be effective. In addition, your healthcare provider can help you manage symptoms of RSV if you or your child are sick.

Source: Louisiana Office of Public Health