2022 Tripledemic: What to Know About COVID, Flu, And R.S.V.

After a couple of years of mask mandates, vaccinations, and frequent hand sanitizing, many of us are all-too-familiar with the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s changed how we interact with one another, and greatly affected our lives in a variety of ways, shapes, and forms.

While society has made great efforts to protect one another from the COVID-19 pandemic, public health experts are warning about a possible convergence of COVID, Flu, & R.S.V. Continue reading to learn more about the anticipated “Tripledemic” that is expected to hit the U.S. this upcoming winter season.

What Can We Expect?

An alarming count of those suffering from sore throats, coughs, and fevers is an indicator that the flu season has begun in the United States. According to research, the U.S. is in for a worse-than-average flu season, and cases have begun to increase earlier than usual with expectations to soar over the coming weeks.

In addition, high levels of R.S.V. (respiratory syncytial virus) in children are already straining pediatric hospitals across the nation. With R.S.V. on the rise, patients are rapidly filling up hospital beds in emergency rooms. Each year, approximately 58,000 children under 5 are hospitalized as a result of RSV infection, according to the CDC. Most mild cases only have a recovery time of a week or two, but the virus can be more serious, especially for infants and the elderly. The CDC claims the R.S.V. season typically starts between mid-September and mid-November, and peaks in late December to mid-February.

COVID infections are still the forefront of concern for most. Although these cases are not at an all-time high, epidemiologists have their eyes on upcoming variants, according to the CDC. Some data suggests that there will be a spike in COVID cases right before Christmas, and other research points towards a new strain emerging in 2023. All-in-all, medical professionals are informing us to prepare for the trio of viral threats that could be headed our way.

What Can We Do to Protect Ourselves & Others?

Last year, mask mandates and social distancing were strictly enforced and far more common, so the spread and exposure of all three viral illnesses was minimized. Now that businesses and public spaces are operating normally in most areas, the tripledemic is likely to impact communities all throughout the U.S.

The best forms of protection from COVID and influenza are up-to-date vaccinations and boosters. Experts also recommend wearing masks to prevent the spread of viruses. The standard rectangular surgical masks offer about a 50% decreased risk against disease. But if you want to boost your protection, wearing a KN95 or an N95 offers nearly an 80% decreased risk against COVID transmission, and also decreases the risk of influenza and R.S.V.

Unfortunately, R.S.V. does not currently have a vaccine, but Pfizer announced promising topline results of a late-stage clinical trial for an experimental RSV vaccine. The vaccine would offer protection to infants from birth by vaccinating women during pregnancy. According to Pfizer officials, they intend to submit for Food and Drug Administration approval by the end of 2022.

Public health experts also want to shine light on the significance of practicing good hand hygiene, such as washing hands thoroughly with soap and water. Carrying around hand sanitizer can better protect you and others from contamination in shared spaces.

Combat the Tripledemic With Safe Spray Disinfection Services/strong>

Disinfection of residential homes, commercial offices, hospitals, parks, schools, playgrounds, and other communal zones can make a huge impact on minimizing the spread of these three pathogens. While wiping down surfaces is a good practice, the trained professionals at Safe Spray kill 99.99% of viruses and bacteria, including, but not limited to, influenza, sars-cov-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), H1N1, HIV, norovirus, and more.

Using the highest-quality equipment to spray EPA and FDA approved disinfects that adhere to CDC’S guidelines, Safe Spray can guarantee that your homes, businesses, vehicles, and public spaces are free of contaminants that pose a risk to your health. Our hospital-grade cleaning via electrostatic spraying rids pathogens on surfaces at a rate much higher than typical household cleaners. Our disinfectants eliminate 99.99% of viruses and bacteria, including, but not limited to, influenza, sars-cov-2 (the virus that causes COVID-19), H1N1, HIV, norovirus, and more.

If you are interested in protecting yourself and others from the tripledemic this winter, Safe Spray can help you rest assured that your space is free of COVID, flu, and RSV. For as little as $299 per month, we provide:

• Weekly Electrostatic Disinfection Spray (4 per month)
• Two Step treatment process – Disinfectant and Protective Virus Killing Shield
• Weekly Surface Testing for Bacteria and Viruses
• Dated certificate of disinfection
• Video of your disinfection service for use on your website or social media
• “Safe Spray Protected” Window decals
• *Pricing based on square footage*

And, all of our solutions are 100% non toxic food grade and safe for children and pets. Contact us today for your free, no-obligation onsite assessment. This also includes complimentary surface testing, so you know what germs are present in your home, office, commercial building, and beyond!