Managing Public Trust, Uncertainty, and Fatigue During a Tripledemic

We are nearing the beginning of a fourth year of life with the COVID-19 pandemic. The Wellness Coalition, healthcare organizations, and other agencies have been working to:

• Engage communities to establish trust and provide resources
• Lessen the impact of misinformation
• Increase COVID-19 and flu vaccination rates

Now we find ourselves in the middle of a tripledemic. After so many years and an expanding list of threatening viruses, how do agencies fight fatigue, keep the public trust, and manage uncertainty? We must continue to provide fact-based information. Here are answers to some of the latest questions about the tripledemic and other current concerns and doubts.

What is the tripledemic?

The “tripledemic” is a term that some public health leaders and the news media are using to describe the current spread of three respiratory illnesses: COVID-19, flu (influenza), and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus).

COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases and hospitalizations are spiking in many parts of the country. Each virus can pose a serious health threat, especially for older people and people with underlying health conditions. RSV and flu are also serious concerns for children.

Most cases of COVID-19, flu, and RSV are mild, but as millions of people are getting sick, the number of people with serious illness is also rising. The “tripledemic” is placing pressure on hospitals and healthcare facilities, and it is already straining the capacity and resources of many pediatric hospitals.

How do I know the difference between flu, RSV, & COVID-19?

The best way to know if you or your child is sick with flu, RSV, or COVID-19 is to get tested for these viruses.

Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 are respiratory illnesses that can have varying degrees of symptoms, from no symptoms to severe symptoms.

You cannot tell the difference between these illnesses by symptoms alone because they have some of the same signs and symptoms. Common symptoms between the two viruses include fever, cough, fatigue, runny or stuffy nose, and several others.

You can test for COVID-19 at home, while most flu tests and RSV tests are administered by a medical professional. Contact your healthcare provider if you have questions about testing and treatment, especially if you or your child are at high risk for complications from flu, RSV, or COVID-19.

“Increased vaccination rates around the world will decrease the likelihood that the coronavirus will mutate into other dangerous variants.”

Why is mask guidance coming back in some places?

With COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases and hospitalizations spiking, some public health officials are revisiting mask guidance and are again recommending mask wearing, particularly in indoor public spaces.

Data show that high-quality, well-fitting masks are effective at reducing the transmission of COVID-19. Studies also show that high-quality, well-fitting masks are likely effective at reducing the transmission of flu and RSV. Scientists continue to study the use of masks, including what kinds of masks work best and which viruses can be prevented from spreading by wearing masks.

Regardless of local mask guidance, anyone can wear a mask as an additional precaution to protect themselves and their families from respiratory infections.

Why do new variants of COVID-19 keep appearing?

Variants emerge as a result of naturally occurring mutations in viruses. For example, the flu virus changes often, which is why doctors recommend a new flu vaccine each year.

Scientists monitor all COVID-19 variants but may classify certain ones, like Omicron and Delta, as “variants of concern.” Scientists monitor these variants carefully to learn if they spread more easily, cause more severe cases than other variants, or evade vaccine protection. As long as COVID-19 spreads, new variants are expected. The best way to prevent the spread of COVID-19, including variants, is to get vaccinated and boosted.

Why do I need a vaccine if I had COVID-19?

COVID-19 vaccination is effective in preventing reinfection in people who previously had COVID-19. One study, for example, showed that among people hospitalized with COVID-19, those who were previously infected with COVID-19 were 5 times more likely to get COVID-19 again if they were unvaccinated than people who were fully vaccinated. For that reason, even if you have already had COVID-19, vaccination is an important step to protect yourself and those around you.

Can my work mandate a vaccine?

While vaccine requirements vary by state, location, business, and school, the science remains the same: the best way to protect yourself from getting COVID-19 is to get vaccinated, and boosted when eligible.

Employers: On January 13, 2022, the Supreme Court ruled that the federal government cannot enforce a vaccine mandate for large businesses. This does not mean that private employers are blocked from creating vaccine mandates. Vaccines remain the safest and most effective way to protect against COVID-19, and employers are still legally able to mandate COVID-19 vaccinations for employees.

Other Vaccine Requirements:

• Healthcare workers at facilities that receive Medicare and Medicaid funding are required to get a COVID-19 vaccine.
• Businesses may also require patrons to show proof of vaccination for entry, and these requirements vary on the state and local level.

Call The Wellness Coalition at (334) 293-6502 to discuss more ways you can help increase vaccination rates.