What is the tridemic?
The tridemic is the unofficial name that has been given to the rise in cases of three different illnesses—influenza (the flu), COVID-19, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). Flu and RSV cases comprise the majority of circulating illnesses, as COVID numbers have been stable recently.
Alone, each of these illnesses can tax an already strained healthcare system. Together, they have the potential to cripple healthcare infrastructure due to worsening illness severity and sheer number of cases.
Rising numbers in cases have been reported in Canada and in half of the United States. As the holidays and colder weather quickly approach, and with them a likely increase in indoor celebrations, experts fear that tridemic numbers will continue to rise.
Triple threat: the flu, COVID-19, and RSV
The respiratory illness influenza, better known as the flu, has long been an unwelcome guest in homes, hospitals, schools, and workplaces. It’s tough to track precise numbers, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that the flu has been responsible for as many as 41 million illnesses, 710,000 hospitalizations, and 52,000 deaths annually between 2010 and 2020. They also reported also that there have been at least 2.8 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 1,300 deaths from the flu as of November 5 of this year.
Another respiratory illness, RSV, is a leading cause of illness in infants, and is the single most common cause of hospitalization during infancy. Experts noted that this year, the country is experiencing a higher rate of RSV, especially in children.
Since emerging in 2019, COVID-19 brought about a global pandemic. It causes respiratory symptoms, ranging from mild to life-threatening, along with various other symptoms.
These viruses are more dangerous to the very young, older adults, the immunocompromised, and those with co-morbidities.
Across the US, in Canada, and in other locations, the tridemic has impacted emergency departments, pediatrician practices, and inpatient units that struggle to manage overflowing waiting rooms, rises in cases, lack of inpatient beds, and staffing shortages. But there are steps you can take:
Learn more about ECRI's COVID-19 guidance and resources.