LOUISVILLE, Kentucky (WDRB) — Louisville health experts call it the “triple infection.” Hospitals across the country are overwhelmed with a combination of respiratory viruses and illnesses that are especially dangerous for children and the elderly.
Christian Bryant, an epidemiologist at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville, says no one is immune. “We are seeing hospitalizations for children of all ages.”
Health experts have described the triple threat of RSV, influenza and COVID with the term “triple disease.”
Bryant said of Norton Children’s Hospital, “We’ve seen record numbers of children in emergency departments.”
It’s happening in pediatric emergency rooms across the country, and now the American Academy of Pediatrics is asking President Biden to declare a national emergency.
In Louisville, 20 pediatric patients are currently hospitalized with the flu at Norton Children’s. And Bryant says there are many more respiratory cases.
“Today, if you look at who is hospitalized at Norton Children on our downtown campus, three children are hospitalized with COVID, and two more are hospitalized with COVID and RSV,” he said. ”
According to the CDC, the hospitalization rate for the week of November 12 was double that of any other recorded flu season.
The White House says the country has supplies such as ventilators and personal protective equipment in its national stockpile, but so far no state has requested them.
Bryant reminds everyone to remember the precautions taken at the height of the pandemic.
“It’s important that people with cold symptoms stay home and try not to infect others,” Bryant said.
“Last year, the flu season lasted until June, so multiple viruses can circulate in one season.
Instead of declaring a national emergency, federal officials say they stand ready to help communities on a case-by-case basis.
As always, making sure you and your child are up to date on immunizations, including the latest COVID boosters, is one of the best precautions you can take.
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