Have you been under the weather in the last couple months? Sick? Not feeling your best? Well, you are certainly not alone. Illness rates across the country, state and local area have been higher than ever this season. And notably, it is not just one problem.
Medical professionals are concerned about what Yale Medicine has lately called a ‘tripledemic:’ influenza, RSV, and COVID-19. All three illnesses are ‘in season’ and in fact more prevalent than usual. This includes in our own community.
Sara Raabe, Certified Nurse Practitioner at Marshall County Healthcare Center, said, “We’re seeing a bit of everything.” This includes the flu, RSV, COVID, strep and of course, the common cold noted Raabe.
According to the South Dakota Department of Health, influenza rates this season in South Dakota are considered both “high” and “widespread.” In the last DOH report, they note over 9,500 confirmed cases of the flu, with the vast majority being strains of influenza A.
Raabe says the flu is affecting all ages and seems “highly contagious.” She adds that symptoms vary, but include fever, body aches, sore throat, and cough. Many symptoms are similar to RSV, which Raabe explains has also been prevalent lately.
RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) is a common, highly contagious infection for children under 2 years old that typically surges in January and February. This year, however, there have been a significant number of cases already. Raabe says the same symptoms as you see in the flu are common with RSV as well as ear pain and nose congestion. Though this illness notably affects children predominantly, Raabe says that adults can get it as well, though they are hospitalizing children in higher numbers with concerns of respiratory distress.
Add in to the mix COVID and common colds. “And strep,” said Raabe. “I always say there is not a season without strep.” This has led to the ‘perfect storm’ of sickness. “People seem to feel sicker than usual, especially when they are getting multiple things at once.”
Raabe says that while many people can get better on their own, people should not hesitate to seek medical care if they are concerned. “If you’re concerned that your vital signs are adequate, if you’re having difficulty breathing or if you’re high risk, you should come in and see us. At the end of the day, you’re never wrong to seek medical care.”
If you do feel the need to visit the clinic, with recent advancements, Raabe explained that the good thing is that they can test for the three big illnesses, flu, RSV, and COVID, with one fast test. “We can get results the same day which helps us initiate the right treatment if necessary,” she said.
Though there is no magic bullet to kill a virus, Raabe adds that there is help available. The oral outpatient antiviral medication Tamiflu can help flu patients. The medicine helps prevent the virus from replicating and can help you get over the illness quicker.
The problem is that Tamiflu is in very short supply. Raabe says that there is such a shortage in South Dakota that they are reserving it for people at high risk. This includes those under 6 months, over 65 years old, pregnant women and those with high risk factors for developing worsening symptoms (people with respiratory diseases, asthma, COPD, etc).
For COVID, the antiviral that can help with that is in better supply now, Raabe confirms. People are recommended to start that treatment within five days of symptoms. And with RSV, patients would receive supportive care such as fluids and nebulizer treatments.
At the end of the day, Raabe says that though these maladies are hard to avoid, people should try to protect themselves. “All the normal things come into play: cover your mouth, wash hands, stay home when you’re sick and get vaccinated,” she emphasizes.
Though you may need to hunker down for a while if you’re feeling ill, brighter days will come.
