Tripledemic of respiratory viruses is back, and seniors are at risk

The Tripledemic is BACK (act NOW!)

Many folks thought it was a fluke…

A once-in-a-lifetime coincidence that would NEVER come back.

Well, just one year later, the tripledemic IS back…

Forcing us to grapple with THREE respiratory viruses – COVID-19, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and the flu – at the same time.

It’s still MONTHS before the tripledemic’s expected winter SURGE, and it’s already sickening people of all ages.

And it’s particularly BRUTAL for older folks, especially if you have OTHER health issues – as these factors SKYROCKET risk of serious infection, hospitalization, or death.

In fact, last year, the tripledemic took the lives of more than 100,000 Americans, many of them seniors – and we absolutely DON’T want that to happen again.

So, NOW’s the time to act…

Terrible Trifecta

For a brief time, we thought COVID-19 was over… but it never really left. And as new variants keep emerging, it’s likely here to stay.

re than 700,000 Americans were hospitalized with COVID-19, and 75,000 died from it.

Symptoms can range from mild to severe, or even none. And unlike other viruses, it can affect OTHER parts of the body besides the lungs.

But even after the virus clears, symptoms can remain, return, or worsen. And long COVID can last for months, even years, causing life-wrecking health problems.

Then there’s RSV, which USED to be considered a threat just to babies and children.

But RSV also affects seniors in large numbers, often sending them to the hospital – or KILLING them.

Mild cases include cold-like symptoms that can linger for weeks… like a persistent cough or stubborn congestion.

But RSV can become severe, causing breathing problems and pneumonia – especially if you’re older and/or have a weak immune system.

And finally, there’s the flu, which comes on suddenly, hitting you like a ton of bricks.

Symptoms include a high fever, often 103 degrees or higher, chills, body aches, sore throat, nausea, and digestive problems.

Ducking the Dangers

Friend, the tripledemic could be setting its sights on YOU – especially, if you recently traveled, got together with friends or family, or spent time indoors in public spaces.

So if you develop any symptoms, speak to your doctor and get tested. This way, if necessary, you can start treatment right away.

But the BEST plan of action is preventing these viruses in the first place. Follow these steps to help strengthen your immune system and avoid becoming a sitting duck:

Steer clear of sick people and indoor spaces when possible
Wash your hands frequently
Get 6 to 8 hours of quality sleep each night
Avoid sugar and processed foods – instead, eat a natural whole-foods diet and drink green tea
Consider immune-boosting supplements, like vitamins A and D, turmeric, black pepper, and garlic (speak to your doc first)

What about vaccines?

Well, they ARE available for all three viruses, along with boosters for the latest COVID-19 variant. And the CDC recommends them, especially for adults who are over 60 and/or immunocompromised.

But, you’re smart AND educated. And each of us has our own philosophy.

So friend, I’m NOT going to tell you what to do – this is a decision YOU need to make, based on research and YOUR personal beliefs.

Same goes for masks. If you’re worried about viruses, you may want to wear one, especially in crowds. But if you DON’T want to… DON’T.

Stay safe and healthy out there!

Source:

“How to Avoid the Tripledemic of Respiratory Diseases This Winter,” Time, September 16, 2023. (time.com/6314785/how-to-avoid-the-tripledemic-of-respiratory-diseases)