Health officials warn of ‘tripledemic’ with spread of flu, COVID-19 and RSV

BELLEVUE, Wash. — The flu is spreading earlier than usual and health officials warn that it’s more severe.

Health officials say it’s driven by a tripledemic — the flu, COVID-19, and RSV are active and spreading at the same time.

Patients at Overlake Medical Center in Bellevue have had all three viruses at the same time.

Doctors said the three groups most affected by the tripledemic are people with compromised immune systems, children and the elderly.

Infectious disease specialist Dr. Edward Leonard spoke with KIRO News Radio’s Nicole Jennings. He told her that people should consider wearing masks in public areas inside to help fight the spread.

That’s the same message from doctors across the country. In Los Angeles County, health officials are beginning to push for another mask mandate.

“Look, it’s sort of common sense. If it is pouring outdoors, bring an umbrella or galoshes. Similarly, if there’s a lot of COVID-19 transmission in your community, it certainly would make common sense to wear a mask,” said Dr. Celine Gounder, senior fellow and editor for public health at the Kaiser Family Foundation.

The tripledemic is causing some local hospitals to be at 200% to 300% capacity, including Seattle Children’s Hospital, which has had to use hallways and storage rooms to make room for sick children.

On Tuesday, King County health officials said hospitalizations for COVID-19 are on the rise.

State health officials are recommending that everyone get a flu shot as soon as possible, as it takes about two weeks for the vaccine to offer full protection. Every flu vaccine nationwide protects against four strains of the flu, and even if new strains emerge, the vaccines teach the immune system to fight off the viruses.

No vaccine is currently available for RSV, but Pfizer announced on Wednesday that its RSV vaccine is awaiting approval by the Food and Drug Administration.

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