The British National Health Service announced through its official website a vaccination campaign in the country against the “Covid-19” virus and influenza viruses. The announcement, published on October 3, indicated that the British National Health Service aims to protect against a “triple epidemic” of viruses this winter. What is the triple epidemic? How to protect against it?
The triple epidemic
The Yale University School of Medicine website in the United States indicates that there is no scientific definition for this term, but it simply refers to the spread of the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the influenza virus, and the “Covid-19” virus to an extent that may lead to overwhelming emergency departments in hospitals.
Infection with these highly contagious viruses results in respiratory illnesses, and they all cause cold-like symptoms, such as cough and runny nose. On the other hand, each infection has unique features that distinguish it, such as loss of the sense of taste or smell with Covid, and wheezing in children infected with the respiratory syncytial virus. While many people experience mild illness from these viruses, factors such as age and general health make some more vulnerable to hospitalization and death. In the case of Covid, even healthy young people have developed long-term Covid symptoms.
Respiratory syncytial virus
Respiratory syncytial virus is a common winter virus that can cause a cold-like illness. Most healthy children over 2 years old and adults under 60 years old have a mild case of the virus that improves in about a week. People aged 60 years or older can develop lower respiratory illnesses from respiratory syncytial virus, leading to inflammatory conditions such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis.
The groups most at risk of hospitalization and death due to respiratory syncytial virus are: premature infants, infants up to 12 months of age (especially those 6 months or younger), children younger than 2 years of age who suffer from chronic lung disease, congenital heart disease, and weak Immune system and/or neuromuscular disorders, there are no treatments other than supportive care.
You can get the vaccine to protect against the virus after consulting a doctor to ensure that it is suitable for you. Children and pregnant women can also get the vaccine after consulting a doctor to ensure their safety.
What if I get respiratory syncytial virus?
If you become infected with the virus, stay home when you are sick. People infected with the virus may be contagious for 3 to 8 days. Most people have mild symptoms and their condition improves within a week or two. Drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration and taking over-the-counter medications will help relieve discomfort and fever. Dehydration, ear pain, or difficulty breathing may be signs of a secondary infection that may become serious enough to require hospitalization.
flu
The World Health Organization indicates that seasonal influenza is an acute respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. It is common throughout the world, and most people recover without treatment.
Influenza spreads easily between people when they cough or sneeze, and vaccination is the best way to prevent it.
Flu symptoms include severe fever, cough, sore throat, body aches, and fatigue. Treatment should aim to relieve symptoms, and people with influenza should rest and drink plenty of fluids. Most people recover on their own within a week, and medical care may be needed in severe cases and in people with risk factors.
The NHS recommends the flu vaccine for people most at risk of becoming seriously ill from influenza, such as older people aged 65 or over, and people with certain long-term health conditions.
Corona virus
The Corona virus causes the disease “Covid-19”. According to the World Health Organization, the people most at risk of developing a severe illness as a result of infection with this virus are people aged 60 years and over, and people who suffer from basic medical problems such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and other chronic health problems (such as heart, lung, kidney, and brain problems), and weakness. Immune function, obesity, cancer, and unvaccinated people.
However, anyone at any age can become infected with COVID-19, become seriously ill, or die.
Can all three vaccines be taken at once?
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has decided that it is safe to get the Covid-19 and influenza vaccines at the same time. The effects of giving the two vaccines in one injection are being researched.
The Yale University School of Medicine website notes that respiratory syncytial virus vaccines for older adults and pregnant women (who can transfer antibodies to their newborns) are still new, and there is no data at this time to say with certainty whether giving these vaccines at the same time as The other two vaccines are the best strategy. More side effects may occur if all three vaccines are taken together.
Avoid infection
Vaccines provide strong protection but may not always protect against infection, so it is wise to take extra precautions. For COVID-19, keep home tests on hand to use when feeling sick so the virus doesn't spread.
The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention offers other strategies to prevent winter respiratory viruses, including the following:
- Use a mask.
- Improving air quality inside rooms by constantly ventilating them.
- Disinfect surfaces and keep them clean.
- Keep hands clean.
- Stay away from sick people.