For years, the so-called “triple infection” of RSV, COVID-19, and influenza has been debated, and for good reason. After the pandemic began and life returned to near normal, the number of people infected with the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) continued to rise, and the number of people infected with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and influenza also skyrocketed. Now, respiratory virus season usually means people across the country face waves of all three of these viruses. Nevertheless, a new survey shows that many Americans don’t really care.
The survey, conducted by The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, surveyed more than 1,000 U.S. adults and found that 35% were not concerned about the rise in respiratory virus infections. The survey also found that 66% believe they will get well quickly if they contract the flu or COVID-19, and about 33% believe they don’t need vaccinations for the flu or COVID-19. It was revealed. They are not considered to be at high risk for serious complications from the disease.
“One of the lessons we have learned from the coronavirus pandemic is that the respiratory virus landscape can change rapidly, and so can public attitudes and beliefs about contagious respiratory diseases. That’s it.” Dr. Megan ConroyA pulmonologist and clinical assistant professor of internal medicine at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center who worked on the study told Yahoo Life. “It’s important for us to understand how people think and feel about protecting themselves and others from respiratory viruses.”
Doctors say the results are concerning. Here’s why:
Why aren’t more people worried about RSV, influenza, and COVID-19?
Many people don’t seem to care about the potential health risks of contracting these viruses, and doctors say they’re not shocked. “Many people are indifferent because they realize that they may be at low risk of becoming seriously ill, or that they themselves will become seriously ill.” Dr. Amesh A. Adalja“I’m not sure,” the infectious disease expert and senior fellow at the Johns Hopkins University Center for Health Security told Yahoo Life. People also learned to calculate risk more accurately over the course of the pandemic and began applying that to respiratory viruses, he says.
Many people also understand that respiratory syncytial virus, influenza, and COVID-19 are endemic, in other words, they’re not going away, Adalja said. As a result, they learned to live with the virus.
The public’s general view of COVID-19, a virus that once brought daily life to a halt, is also changing. Dr. Thomas RussoProfessor and Chief of Infectious Diseases at the University at Buffalo, New York, told Yahoo Life. “Most people believe that they are largely protected because almost everyone has had some form of past infection, vaccination, or both,” he says. “But what they lack is that over time the protection weakens and the virus evolves to evade that protection.”
Russo said that while public health is currently in “the best shape” since the pandemic began, “a significant number of people still suffer from negative outcomes on a daily basis.” For example, on average, COVID-19 causes: 2.5% of deaths Every week in the United States, the flu can cause symptoms such as: 52,000 deaths every year in America. RSV’s responsibility is to up to 10,000 deaths According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the number of infections per year among adults 65 and older.
“Also, many people think, ‘I’m not immunocompromised, I’m not a senior, so it’s okay,'” Russo said. “But no one is at zero risk, even though statistically they are in a better position.”
Conroy said many people are experiencing lingering fatigue from the pandemic. “People are tired of worrying about respiratory viruses,” she says. “I understand that. As a pulmonologist and critical care physician who has lived and worked through a pandemic, I too am tired of worrying about it.”
Conroy emphasizes that people don’t necessarily have to stress about these illnesses. Instead, she recommends recognizing that they’re there and doing what you can to protect yourself. “There is value in recognizing and understanding what actions can help protect us both individually and collectively as virus season turns our lives upside down once again.” Conroy says.
Who should get vaccinated?
Recommendations for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines are similar. The CDC recommends vaccination for everyone age 1 and older. 6 months obtain both shots. RSV is a little different.There is now an RSV vaccine available for older adults Over 60 years old Designed to protect against viruses. There is also. vaccines for pregnant women Medicines for baby vaccinations Less than 8 months And those entering their first RSV season.
How to protect yourself from RSV, influenza, and the new coronavirus
Doctors say protecting yourself from these viruses starts with getting the recommended vaccines. “Think of the vaccine as a tool that you use for risk management,” Adalja says. Russo acknowledged that it’s still possible to get these viruses if you’re vaccinated. “People talk about how they got vaccinated and got infected, but this is all about minimizing severe symptoms,” he says. “They turn a potentially serious illness into a mild illness.”
Wearing a mask may be helpful if your area has a high number of respiratory virus cases, Conroy said. “We know that masks, especially surgical masks, KN95 and N95 masks, can play a huge role in protecting you from illness, even if you are near someone who is sick,” she said. To tell. “That’s why we wear this when we take care of patients in the hospital.” She said it’s especially important when you’re traveling or at the grocery store, where you’re likely to be exposed to people who are sick. Wearing a mask is recommended if you are considered to be at high risk for complications or if you are simply trying to minimize infection. the probability that you will get sick.
Finally, Russo recommends washing your hands often and thoroughly.
Even if you do everything right this year, you can still get a respiratory virus. “If you do get sick and are particularly unwell or at high risk of developing more severe illness, there are antiviral drugs for both coronavirus and influenza that can help you get better faster, but “Usually you need to start treatment. Early on,” says Conroy. “So please talk to your doctor. If your symptoms are mild enough, consider a telemedicine visit so you can continue to isolate at home and prevent further spread of the virus.”