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The “tripledemic” is surging in the U.S. Here’s how you can help.
The winter season has brought with it a “tripledemic,” with COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases at a high. Hospitals are full yet again, and this time pediatric units are filled with patients with RSV infections too. According to Becker’s Hospital Review, the hospitalization rate for the flu is “the highest it’s been this early in the season since the 2010-11 flu season.” With increased transmission rates, it’s especially important to follow guidelines to keep yourself and others safe. The rule for Horizon Health and Wellness has not changed:
All staff and patients are required to wear masks in all patient-client facing areas.
Here are some additional recommendations for staying safe and healthy this winter:
- Get your flu and COVID-19 vaccines. Horizon offers vaccines to employees Monday-Thursday from 9:00am-1:00pm. Friday hours vary by location.
- Wear a mask anywhere you are in a group of people.
- Wash your hands, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds.
- Stay home if you’re sick.
- Eat a healthy diet.
- Exercise
- Get enough sleep to boost your immune system (see more on this below).
If you get sick
Is it a cold, flu, RSV, or COVID?
Symptoms can be difficult to distinguish and it’s always best to get tested so you can get appropriate care. This chart, put out by the CDC, can help too:
Stay informed
The Arizona Department of Health Safety (ADHS) offers current and accurate facts and statistics about current COVID-19 case numbers and transmission rates. Stay updated on trends in your area so you can take necessary precautions to keep your community safe.
The CDC offers guidelines for healthcare facilities for developing infection precaution protocols based on COVID-19 rates in your area. Read and follow guidelines consistently to promote optimal health conditions for you and the patients at your clinic.
Sleep and the Immune System
In conjunction with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health, the CDC offers the following guidance on getting adequate sleep:
- Sleep loss can negatively affect different parts of the immune system.
- Sleep loss reduces natural killer (NK) cell activity, which increases the risk for cancer and viral infections.
- Sleep loss generates production of inflammatory cytokines, which increase the risk for cardiovascular and metabolic disorders.
- Sleep loss reduces production of antibodies, which increases the risk for infections.
Based on the American Academy of Sleep Medicine and the Sleep Research Society recommendations, adults need at least seven hours of sleep each night, and one in three American adults regularly don’t get enough sleep. Make sleep a priority for staying healthy this winter.