COVID-19, Flu, and RSV: The Tripledemic

The word “Tripledemic” refers to spikes of three highly infectious respiratory illnesses: Flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Fall and winter are peak seasons for respiratory infections, and though most cases of COVID-19, RSV, and Flu are mild, the elderly, immunocompromised, and others with underlying conditions are at risk of severe illness that could require hospitalization. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) expects that hospitalizations as a result of respiratory disease in 2023 will be similar to that in 2022. 

Additional factors, such as burnout and continued staff shortages can place more strain on healthcare delivery systems as cases surge, which is problematic for those who are at risk of severe illness requiring hospitalization. 

There are many actions you can take to protect yourself against the Tripledemic:

Get vaccinated and stay up-to-date on boosters.

Not sure where to find a vaccine?

Click here to locate a flu vaccine near you. The University of Arizona Mobile Health Unit offers free flu vaccinations. Click here to visit the University of Arizona Mobile Health Unit Facebook page for more information.

Click here to find information about RSV vaccines. 

Click here to use the ADHS vaccine finder map to locate a COVID-19 vaccine or booster near you. 

Wear a mask. 

The CDC recommends wearing a mask indoors if you or someone you regularly interact with are at risk of severe COVID-19 infections. Wearing a well-fitting mask is an accessible way to protect yourself and your family from respiratory infections during peak season.

Wash your hands often. 

Always use soap and warm water whenever possible. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Frequently washing your hands with soap and water for 20 seconds will help reduce the transmission of harmful pathogens during peak seasons.  

Stay home if you become sick.

Isolate yourself from others and test yourself for COVID-19. Contact your health care provider if you are at high risk of severe respiratory illness, or if you become sick. Treatments for complications of Flu and COVID-19 are most effective in the early stages of illness. 

Fall and winter have always been seasons of respiratory disease transmission due to close and frequent contact with others. Practice these healthy habits to protect yourself and your loved ones against the Tripledemic. 

The Arizona Department of Health Services hosts a Flu in Arizona Report and an RSV in Arizona Report, both of which are updated weekly and offer many useful features to track transmission rates.