LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) – As health professionals in Louisville call it the “Triple,” hospitals across the country are overwhelmed by respiratory viruses and illnesses that are especially dangerous for children and the elderly.
No one is immune, says Christian Bryant, an epidemiologist at Norton Children’s Hospital in Louisville. “It’s true,” she said. “We’re seeing hospitalizations in children of all ages.”
Health experts have coined the term “triple” for the triple threat of RSV, flu and Covid.
Norton Children’s Hospital “has been seeing record numbers of children in the emergency room,” Bryant said.
It’s happening in pediatrics rooms across the country, and now the American Academy of Pediatrics is calling for President Biden to declare a national emergency.
In Louisville, 20 pediatric patients are currently hospitalized at Norton Children’s Influenza. And Bryant says there are many more respiratory organs.
“If we look at who was hospitalized at Norton Children’s today at the downtown campus, we have three kids with covid, two more kids with covid and RSV,” Bryant said, “we have 11 kids with RSV alone. Infections.”
According to the CDC, hospitalization rates during the week of November 12 are twice as high as during other flu seasons.
The White House has the nation’s national stockpile of supplies such as ventilators and personal protective equipment, but no states have yet requested them.
Bryant reminds everyone to remember the precautions taken during the outbreak, not the least of which is to stay home if you feel sick.
“It’s important for people with flu-like symptoms to stay home to avoid infecting others,” Bryant said.
“Last year, the flu season went into June, so many viruses could be circulating at once.
Rather than declaring a national emergency, federal officials say they are ready to help communities on a case-by-case basis.
As always, it’s important to make sure you and your children are up-to-date on your vaccinations, including the latest Covid booster.
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