In music theory, triplets instruct musicians to play three notes within the time it takes to play two notes.
And this year, instead of hearing the two notes of COVID-19 and the flu simultaneously for a "twindemic" interlude, we're facing what people have coined a "tripledemic" of COVID-19, influenza (the flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) infections in the U.S.
So, what can you do to protect yourself and your loved ones during this viral season? Here are some tips to guide you through the COVID-19, flu and RSV season.
Tip 1: Get vaccinated or boosted for COVID-19 and the flu.
If you're eligible, vaccines for COVID-19 and the flu may help better protect you from getting seriously sick. The CDC recommends that people 6 months or older complete their primary series vaccines for COVID-19. Boosters are available for eligible people who are 5 years or older. If you're moderately or severely immunocompromised, you may have an increased risk of severe COVID-19 illness. Your vaccine recommendations are separate to make sure you get the level of protection you need to stay safe.
All people 6 months and older should get their annual flu vaccine, according to the CDC. If you do get the flu, it's more likely that you won't be as sick when compared to someone who didn't get their flu vaccine. It's estimated that 105,000 flu-related hospitalizations were avoided during the 2019 to 2020 flu season in the U.S. thanks to flu vaccines.
Because there is no vaccine for RSV, the CDC recommends practicing good personal hygiene, including washing hands for at least 20 seconds and cleaning frequently touched surfaces.
Tip 2: Stock up now for sickness later.
When you feel sick, the last thing you want to have to do is make a trip to the pharmacy for the essentials you need to feel better and recover. Also, a trip could increase the possibility of spreading infection to others. Check your medicine cabinet ahead of time to see if you have get-better supplies on hand, including:
Tip 3: Exercise caution and cleanliness.
People touch their face more than 20 times an hour on average. We also touch common surfaces, such as door handles and countertops, every day. That's why it's important to wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and be mindful of your eyes, nose, and mouth. A 2020 study about hand hygiene and disease spread in airports found that the spread of a potential pandemic could decrease by up to 69% if people washed their hands more frequently.
SARS-CoV-2, influenza and RSV viruses are all considered contagious respiratory diseases. So, if you're heading to a crowded indoor location, consider masking to protect yourself from droplets that could carry either virus. At home, school or work, disinfect surfaces such as counters, doorknobs and light switches to prevent the spread of infection from touching surfaces that can have the virus on it.
If you're experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, the flu or RSV, stay home. Schedule an appointment to get tested or turn to your stash of at-home COVID-19 tests so you can test without leaving home.
A healthcare professional may be able to test for COVID-19, the flu and RSV at the same visit. Abbott offers several diagnostic tools to aid in fast, reliable respiratory virus testing. From our ID-NOW™ rapid system to the Alinity m Resp-4-Plex to the Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Rapid Panel test*, we are equipping clinicians with tools to diagnose respiratory viruses quickly and reliably. Fast diagnosis means faster treatment, which is key for time-sensitive antiviral medicines that are different for the flu and for COVID-19.
Be respiratory season ready. Taking preventative steps today can bring a bit of peace of mind into your house this virus season.
*Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Rapid Panel Test is not available in the U.S. and is for professional use.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
BinaxNOW
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 Antigen Self Test is a lateral flow immunoassay intended for the qualitative detection of nucleocapsid protein antigen from SARS-CoV-2 from individuals with or without symptoms or other epidemiological reasons to suspect COVID-19 infection when tested twice over three days with at least 24 hours (and no more than 48 hours) between tests. This test is authorized for non-prescription home use with self-collected direct anterior nasal (nares) swab samples from individuals aged 15 years or older or adult collected anterior nasal (nares) swab samples from individuals aged two years or older.
The BinaxNOW™ COVID-19 tests have not been FDA cleared or approved. They have been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization. They have been authorized only for the detection of proteins from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and are only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or authorization is revoked sooner. For serial testing, the BinaxNOW COVID-19 Antigen Tests should be performed twice over 3 days, at least 24 hours (and no more than 48 hours) apart. For symptomatic use, a single test can be used.
PANBIO COVID-19 ANTIGEN SELF TEST
The Panbio COVID-19 Self-Test is not approved for use in the US.
Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Rapid Panel test
The Panbio COVID-19/Flu A&B Rapid Panel test is a professional use test and is not approved for use in the US.
ID NOW COVID-19 Test
The ID NOW™ COVID-19 product has not been FDA cleared or approved. It has been authorized by the FDA under an emergency use authorization for use by authorized laboratories and patient care settings. The test has been authorized only for the detection of nucleic acid from SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens, and is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostic tests for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID-19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the authorization is terminated or revoked sooner.
Alinity m Resp-4-Plex:
The Alinity m Resp-4-Plex is an Rx Only, In Vitro Diagnostic Use Device Under the FDA Emergency Use Authorization. This product has not been FDA cleared or approved, but has been authorized for emergency use by FDA under an Emergency Use Authorization (EUA) for use by laboratories certified under the Clinical Improvement Amendments of 1988 (CLIA), 42 U.S.C. § 263a, that meet requirements to perform moderate or high complexity tests. This product has been authorized by FDA under an EUA for use by authorized laboratories certified under CLIA to perform moderate or high complexity tests. This product has been authorized only for the detection and differentiation of nucleic acid from influenza A, influenza B, Respiratory Syncytial Virus and SARS-CoV-2, not for any other viruses or pathogens. The emergency use of this product is only authorized for the duration of the declaration that circumstances exist justifying the authorization of emergency use of in vitro diagnostics for detection and/or diagnosis of COVID 19 under Section 564(b)(1) of the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, 21 U.S.C. § 360bbb-3(b)(1), unless the declaration is terminated or the authorization is revoked sooner.
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