The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is projecting that the cumulative number of hospital admissions stemming from COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections, and the seasonal flu this coming winter will send “tripledemic” hospitalisations soaring across America.
The figures could mirror those recorded in the previous year and thereby surpass the levels observed before the onset of the pandemic.
The term “tripledemic” does not have a formal scientific definition, but it serves as a reference to the triple threat of RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 that could exert considerable pressure on hospital emergency departments.
In July, the spread of all three respiratory viruses was low, but the CDC had begun to detect slight increases in positive Covid tests and Covid-related emergency department visits.
Doctors hope enough people get vaccinated to help avert another tripledemic like last year when hospitals were overwhelmed with an early flu season, an onslaught of RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus, and yet another winter coronavirus surge.
“There will be a lot of virus this winter. That’s why we want to get ahead of it,” CDC chief Dr. Mandy Cohen said.
The CDC announced that in the fall, vaccines targeting all three primary respiratory viruses – COVID-19, seasonal flu, and RSV – will become available to the public.
The agency emphasised that heightened vaccination rates among the populace will contribute significantly to curbing hospitalizations and alleviating the burden on the nation’s healthcare facilities.
On Tuesday, the CDC granted approval for the widespread utilization of updated COVID-19 vaccines manufactured by Moderna, Pfizer and BioNTech SE. The vaccines would be for any individual aged 6 months and older.
This move comes as the nation gears up for the commencement of a nationwide vaccination drive in the coming days.
The CDC says there is no difference in effectiveness or side effects if people get the flu and COVID-19 vaccines simultaneously, although one in each arm might be more comfortable.
Omicron XBB subvariants remain the most prevalent forms of COVID, though in July, the World Health Organization identified a new XBB version, the EG.5, as rising in prevalence around the world and in the U.S.
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