The term “tripledemic” describes three different respiratory viruses.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

Influenza (Flu)

COVID-19

Medical communities are concerned that all three of these viruses will occur at once this winter, because RSV and flu has already overwhelmed some hospitals and medical centers in certain parts of the U.S.

[Transcript A person with highlighted brown hair, wearing a black shirt. Graphic image of all agencies logo from top to bottom: GLAD, OCDEAF, CODIE, TCGLAD, and B-GLAD. “Hello everyone. We’re headed for a ‘ tripledemic ’ this winter” [Graphic image at the top right corner: “TRIPLEDEMIC” in the white font with the blue banner. A list “COVID-19, FLU, RESPIRATORY SYNCYTIAL VIRUS (VRS)” on the white banner. At the bottom – graphic image of blue, green and red viruses] “But what is it? The combination of COVID, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, threatens to overwhelm hospitals over the coming months.” [Graphic image: “Flu Symptoms” (next – a list) “Sudden onset fever of chills, Respiratory symptoms, Muscle Aches and Pains, Headache”] “Flu Symptoms: · Sudden onset fever or chills · Respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose) · Muscle aches and pains · Headaches” [Graphic image: “COVID-19 Symptoms” (next – a list) “Fever or Chills, Respiratory symptoms, Loss of taste and smell, Fatigue, Sore Throat, Muscle or body aches, Headache”] “Covid-19 Symptoms: · Fever or chills · Respiratory symptoms (cough, sore throat, runny nose) · Loss of taste and smell · Fatigue · Sore throat · Muscle or body aches · Headache” [Graphic image: “RSV Symptoms” (next – a list) “Runny nose, Coughing, Fever, Wheezing, Decrease in appetite”] “RSV Symptoms: · Runny nose · Coughing · Fever · Wheezing · Decrease in appetite” [Graphic image: a young child coughing with fever passing onto an adult who is sneezing] “Parents of infants and young children may also be concerned about RSV, or respiratory syncytial virus. Almost all children have had an RSV infection by the time they are 2, but this year, the virus has begun spreading early and is causing more severe illness than usual. Older adults and people with heart and lung disease or weak immune systems are also at risk for severe RSV.” [Graphic image: “1 Get vaccinated, boosted (and treated)”: black font on the pink banner. Next, “2 Stay home if you’re sick & test for COVID”: black font on the green banner. Next, “3 Wear a mask in indoor public spaces to limit the spread”: black font on the orange banner. Next, “4 Wash your hands”: black font on the yellow banner. Next, “Cover your cough or sneeze”: white font on the black banner.] “Top 5 Tips to Prevent Winter Viruses Get Vaccinated, Boosted ( and Treated) Reduce the chances of getting severely ill. If you test positive, contact your primary doctor to get treatment. Stay home if you are Sick and Test positive for COVID. Stay home to prevent the spread, and contact your doctor immediately. Wear a Mask”. [Graphic image: “Wear a mask in indoors”: a young child wearing a green mask and purple shirt.] “There is no vaccine for RSV, so wearing a mask can slow the spread and protect vulnerable people, including babies, young children, and older adults.” [Graphic image: “There is NO vaccine for RSV”: white font on the black banner.] “Wash Your Hands” [Graphic image: washing hands with soap bubbles.] “Frequently wash your hands with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds. This is an easier and most effective way to prevent the spreading of germs.” [Graphic image: “Cover Coughs and Sneezes”, next, “If you don’t have a tissue, cover your sneeze into your upper sleeve or elbow, not your hands”: a blue background with a young child o has blond hair, pink shirt and purple pants. They are covering the cough.] “Cough or sneeze into your elbow, arm or a disposable tissue. Do not forget to wash or sanitize your hands and dispose the tissue afterwards!” [Graphic image: “WASH YOUR HANDS OFTEN.”: light cream background. Hands washing with soap under a faucet.] “Wash your hands frequently!” [Graphic image: “C”: American Sign Language handshape for C “O”: Graphic image of Santa Claus hat on the top of green O with the white snowflakes, candy cane, and Xmas ornament. “D”: Graphic Image of Native American Bow shaped in D with feathers. “I”: Graphic Image of Mezuzah with Hanukkah Star above it. “E”: Graphic Image of Icy Cold Frosts of E.] “Take care of yourself and happy holidays to you.”]

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