For slightly over two years now, we have had to deal with COVID-19. That was bad enough, but now matters may be worse. Now, we are facing what has been dubbed the “tridemic.”

The tridemic is a triple threat of (sometimes deadly) viruses. And you need to take the necessary precautions to remain safe and virus free – and alive.

Those precautions, while possibly more urgent now, basically remain the same according to medical experts: wearing a mask, washing your hands, and maintaining your distance.

Read on to find out what the tridemic is and the dangers it poses, as well as the precautions you should take and the PPE you need to stay safe during the holidays.

What Is the Tridemic?

The tridemic is a “triple threat of COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).” And it “is hitting our communities hard,” especially since “we still are battling COVID-19.”

All three of the tridemic viruses – influenza, RSV and, COVID-19 – “are particularly worrisome because they can cause severe illness.” But there’s more reason to be concerned.

“Masking, social distancing, and good hand hygiene reduced the number of flu and other respiratory virus infections during the first two years of the pandemic. ‘Now, with relaxation of recommendations surrounding masking and social distancing, people are again at risk for acquiring these viral infections, and a major concern is lack of immunity because of low exposure in the last two years,’” according to Vijay Trisal, M.D.

Each member virus of the tridemic is slightly different and so requires a slightly different emphasis in the precautions needed, for example . . .

• COVID-19 – Because it is spread through the air, experts emphasize the importance of wearing a mask in public spaces, especially indoor ones. And, of course, this would certainly include your holiday gatherings,
• Flu – “Get the flu vaccine. Initial signs indicate that this year’s flu vaccine is working well to keep people out of the hospital. Wear a mask — like COVID-19, flu is most often spread through droplets in the air and close contact.”
• RSV – “RSV is spread more often from surfaces than in the air. Wash your hands frequently and use hand sanitizer after being in public spaces and washrooms.” You do, however, need to make sure you use the right hand sanitizer with a high enough ethanol content.

How Bad Is It?

COVID, as you know, was (and is) bad enough. But just how bad is this tridemic? Let’s see, then, what lies on the near horizon, and how this evil trinity of viruses can impact your holidays . . .

“As Americans prepare to gather for the holidays, they face simultaneous surges in COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The World Health Organization reported almost 450,000 new COVID-19 cases in the United States during [during the first week of December], and the CDC has classified most U.S. states as having ‘high’ or ‘very high’ rates of flu. Although RSV cases have likely peaked for the season, they remain elevated after reaching alarming highs earlier this fall. The resulting ‘tridemic,’ as healthcare experts call it, has created a perfect storm of outbreaks for hospitals to contend with.”

Certainly sounds like something we should be concerned about and take seriously, doesn’t it?

All three illnesses – COVID, flu, and RSV – are “highly contagious respiratory infections caused by viruses.” And making matters even worse is the fact that it is possible for you “to be infected with two or more of the viruses at the same time.”

As a result and in response, healthcare experts are strongly urging us to wear masks “as the country faces a brutal holiday season of COVID, the flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).” And that looks like very good advice because “these three infections are causing a surge in illness, overwhelming some hospitals and affecting millions of Americans.”

In fact, hospitalizations for flu remain the highest they have been in a decade for this time of year. In just one week recently, the CDC reported over 25,000 people hospitalized with flu alone.

But it apparently gets worse . . .

“The Children’s Hospital Association and the American Academy of Pediatrics called on the federal government in a Nov. 14 letter to declare a state of emergency to address the ‘alarmingly high rates of RSV and other respiratory illnesses’ . . .  And as of Dec. 7, The New York Times reported that COVID cases and hospitalizations are up more than 25 percent . . . with positive tests on the rise.”

And that’s why public health officials are urging us to wear masks, especially when in a gathering indoors. They recommend that “everyone wear a high-quality, well-fitting mask when around others in indoor spaces to protect against both acquiring and spreading these infections to others.”

What You Need to Battle the Tridemic

It is not our intent to engage in fear mongering here. The tridemic should be a grave concern, but if you take the proper precautions and wear quality PPE, your chances of staying uninfected are high, and you can still have your holiday celebrations.

So let’s take a look at the PPE and other items you need to battle the tridemic and enjoy the holidays . . .

Masks

If there’s one common thread that runs through all the advice we hear from health experts, it’s that we need to wear masks. But you must have a quality mask for the job, not a cheap single-layer mask.

A popular face mask choice, especially for those who want to economize, is the reusable 2-ply cotton face mask. You can also add another layer of protection with the 3-ply disposable face mask for extra peace of mind.

Hand Sanitizer

Experts also recommend frequent hand washing. But hand washing coupled with the use of a quality hand sanitizer – that is, at least 60% alcohol – is even more effective.

You will also need enough hand sanitizer. Those small bottles may be fine to carry in your purse or your car, but that’s far from enough sanitizer for home use. We recommend buying in large bottles or in bulk – either 80% ethanol liquid hand sanitizer or 80% ethanol gel hand sanitizer.

Dispenser

And, of course, you don’t want to have to try to pour hand sanitizer, with possibly virus-laden hands, out of the jug every time you need some. A good solution here is a strategically located touchless, wall-mount hand sanitizer dispenser.

Thermometer

Still, no matter how hard you try to avoid it, infection is always a possibility. So in order not to infect your loved ones, you’ll want to monitor your own condition.

One of the most reliable indicators of infection is elevated body temp. Be sure to keep on hand – and use often – a good, easy-to-use thermometer like the instant digital thermometer.

Your Source for Quality PPE at Affordable Prices

The tridemic doesn’t have to mean the end of your holiday celebrations and get-togethers – if, that is, you use quality PPE and take the necessary precautions.

So when you’re ready to get your PPE, why go to the source for masks, hand sanitizer, and more that offers both quality products and great prices coupled with superior customer service – Bandana.com.

We want to help you stay safe and healthy while you enjoy the holidays with family and friends. You can get more information about us here.