Disclaimer: The insights in this write-up were up to date at the time of publication. However, the facts and information about COVID-19 change daily, so we recommend accessing the websites of the World Health Organization (WHO), Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and your state and local government for the latest updates.
While everyday life has been slowly normalizing at this stage of the COVID-19 pandemic with fewer restrictions to travel and socialization, the number of COVID-19, flu, and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases is suddenly increasing. Considering the surge of all three viruses, some medical experts are concerned about a potential “tripledemic” this winter.
Every year, RSV causes approximately 300 deaths among children under 5 years, and 14,000 deaths in adults aged 65 and older. Most influenza and COVID infections are currently mild but may cause severe complications in those with pre-existing conditions if not treated promptly. Also, since the COVID-19 cases in Southern California continue to increase, Orange County was moved up to “medium level” COVID-19 community in December 2022.
Being aware of these three viruses and their related precautions is crucial to protecting your health this winter.
“Tripledemic” refers to three different respiratory viruses, including COVID-19, influenza (flu), and RSV. While COVID-19 cases are expected to rise in the coming months, the flu and RSV cases have already increased. If these viruses strike simultaneously, hospitalizations and deaths may increase. While vaccinations and treatments may help lower the risk of severe illness, some people are at a higher risk of contracting COVID and the flu, including:
RSV is especially common in young children, premature babies, and children with congenital health conditions.
All three viruses are contagious and may cause mild to severe illness. Vaccinations are the best way to stay protected against them. Getting flu and COVID vaccines can be life-saving for children, seniors, and people with chronic conditions. Also, supportive care and treatment can help reduce the severity of an RSV infection, as RSV vaccinations are still under development.
Public health officials advise getting flu shots every Fall, and COVID boosters as recommended.
The three viruses share many symptoms, including cough, runny nose, fever, and differing degrees of difficulty breathing.
Though RSV affects people of all ages, affected children may require ultimate care until recovery. Watch out for the symptoms in your child regularly, especially during the first year of life, and consider an ER visit if your child experiences:
Though uncommon, it is possible to get multiple infections at once. During the beginning of the pandemic, many people tested positive for both the flu and COVID. While RSV viruses are common in children, adults can also have COVID and RSV simultaneously.
Every year, the flu vaccine targets specific strains of the flu virus that are likely to spread during that flu season. After getting vaccinated, your body will begin producing antibodies within 2 weeks, and over the next two months, you will have enough antibodies to fight off the specific strain. If you are exposed to the virus during the flu season or after that, the vaccination will help increase your immunity against it to protect your health.
As the flu virus mutates every flu season, you need a new flu shot every year. While the vaccine won’t protect you from every strain, it minimizes your risk of severe illness.
You can protect yourself from tripledemic by practicing the following measures:
Whether you have flu, COVID-19, or RSV, visit one of our clinic Irvine Woodbridge Walk-In Urgent Care, Fountain Valley Urgent Care, or Costa Mesa Urgent Care CA, today for proper diagnosis and treatment. We offer flu shots at all our three locations, COVID-19 testing at two convenient locations (Fountain Valley and Irvine), and treatment for all 3 infections. With our swift medical care and assistance, we can quickly treat you while preventing further complications.
Dr. Bunten is originally from Huntington Beach, CA. He attended high school in Tokyo, Japan, went to college at UC San Diego and then to medical school in the Midwest. He returned home to California for residency training in Family Medicine at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center. His immediate family all reside in Huntington Beach.
Dr Fishbein has been in the practice of family medicine for over 35 years in Irvine. He received his undergraduate degree from Southern Illinois University, medical degree from Chicago Medical School, and completed his family medicine residency at Memorial Hospital of Long Beach.
Dr. Kim is the Medical Director of Family Care Centers, Chair of the Department of Family Medicine at Hoag Hospital, and a recipient of the Physicians of Excellence award from the Orange County Medical Association. He is Board Certified in Family Medicine, and has been practicing in our community for over 20 years.
Dr. Memon is a board certified Family Medicine physician and recently completed her fellowship in Geriatrics at the University of California, Irvine Medical Center. She attended Saint George’s University, School of Medicine and completed her residency at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center. Her interest in medicine started at an early age and has since evolved into a passionate career.
Dr. Gina Nguyen obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Irvine where she graduated Suma Cum Laude. She went to USC Keck School of Medicine, and returned to UC Irvine for a Family Medicine Residency. Since 2005, she worked at Kaiser Permanente, VNCOC, and Family Care Center Urgent Care.
Dr. Williams is Board Certified in Family Medicine and Sports Medicine. He is a native to Orange County and returned home after completing his medical degree at the University of New Mexico, Albuquerque. After completing his residency in family practice he successfully completed a fellowship in sports medicine.
Dr. Hye Lee is a board-certified Family Practice Physician, affiliated with the American Osteopathic Association and the American College of Osteopathic Family Practice.She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Biology at UC Riverside and earned her medical degree from Des Moines University Osteopathic Medical Center. Afterward, she did her internship at Downey Regional Medical Center in California and has been a primary care physician since 2005.
Dr. Coyne is a board certified family practice physician and a California native. He completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA before earning his medical degree at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. Dr Coyne spent 6 years in the US Air Force at Andrews and Luke Air Force bases, eventually separating as a Major. He enjoys working with patients of all ages.”
Dr. Jay Friehling is a Family Practice physician who has worked in Orange County since 1981. Born in Florida, he received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University and then earned a Medical Degree at the New York Medical College.” His healthcare interests include Diabetes, Geriatric Care, and Hospice Care.
Dr. Jennifer Shoquist is board certified in Family Medicine. Her special interest is woman’s health and her practice accepts patients from 6 years old to seniors. Dr. Shoquist received her M.D. degree at The University of Texas Medical School at Houston in Houston, Texas, and did her residency with Memorial Family Practice at memorial Southwest Hospital in Houston, Texas.
Dr. Tom is a board certified family medicine physician and native Californian. He received his bachelors of science with great distinction in biochemistry and honors in chemistry. Dr. Tom was awarded a Regents Scholarship to attend medical school at UC Irvine.
Dr. Yan attended Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed her Family Practice residency at Kern Medical Center in Bakersfield, California. She joined Family Care Center in 2001. She chose Family Practice because she enjoys working with a wide variety of people and because it provides a unique opportunity for continuing care.
