BUFFALO, N.Y. — You have no doubt seen the term "tripledemic" circling on social media and in headlines. It refers to the three respiratory viruses that are expected to be prevalent all at once this season.
So far, the influenza season in the Southern Hemisphere is considered heavy. That’s the marker for what we should expect for our season. With it, there's a lot unknown, but also new vaccines.
“We've always zeroed in on influenza," said Charlene Ludlow, senior vice president of Nursing at ECMC. "But this year, we're going to be really looking at influenza, RSV and COVID.”
Ludlow is not only the senior vice president of nursing at ECMC, but she's also certified in infection control. She knows a thing or two when it comes to combatting respiratory virus reason.
“It's going to be a year that we are going into this knowing what's really going to happen,” Ludlow said.
Starting with the flu vaccine:
- This year, it's quadrivalent, meaning there are four different kinds of the virus in it
- It's for anyone 6 months or older
- Get it in early October, especially after last year
“Usually in Western New York it starts around early December, but last year it started right after Halloween, early November,” Ludlow said.
For the covid vaccine:
- Available for those 6 months and older
- Get it in the fall, at the same time as your flu vaccine
- Doesn’t matter which COVID vaccine you got before
“For people that have already had COVID vaccine, it's going to be one dose,” Ludlow said.
Then there’s the new RSV vaccine:
- Recommended for those over 60
- Pregnant women and infants
- Talk to your health care provider about how to get it
“Many people, if already thought of RSV as a virus that is only for children. But we're seeing a big effect in especially congregate settings, nursing homes where people are together often,” Ludlow said.
Vaccines are just one tool in your belt. The other is practicing good hygiene:
- Sing the ABC’s when washing your hands
- The kiddos, too
- Especially after school
“Washing and cleaning high touch surfaces on a regular basis,” Ludlow reminded.
If you or your child are sick, keep your distance from others. Also, respect those who choose to wear a mask. They could be keeping you safe.
“These respiratory illnesses, we're talking about in the fall are all droplet spread,” Ludlow explained. “So, when people are speaking or when they're coughing, they're going to get the virus on surfaces.”
Ludlow has been a health professional for three decades. She says battling three viruses this season is a first.
“We know what we need to do,” she said. “We just have to make sure everyone else is on board with it.”
If you want to find the nearest COVID, flu or RSV vaccine, head to https://www.vaccines.gov/.