What to know about the three main respiratory illnesses circulating right now.
You may have heard of the scary " tridemic " of respiratory unwellness — the triple combination of flu , COVID-19 , and Respiratory Syncytial Virus ( RSV)—circulating right now . The three illnesses have like symptom , and are open in similar way . For anyone travel via airplane , exposure to these illnesses lay their own specific risks , according to theCenters for Disease Control and Prevention .
" Respiratory infections are a leading cause for seeking aesculapian care among bring back traveller . coarse respiratory infection include COVID-19 , influenza , and the common low temperature , " the CDCadvises . " covering is a critical public health tool for preventing the spreading of respiratory diseases . "
But what are the differences between these respiratory malady ? When should we be disguise while travel ? Thrillist spoke to registered respiratory therapist Mandy De Vries , MSc . , RRT , RRT - NPS , and vice president of education for the American Association for Respiratory Care to respond these questions and more .
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Should we be wearing masks when traveling? If so, when?
" Yes , wear off masks during travel is advised , specially in crowded and stick in preferences , to minimize the bed covering of respiratory viruses . Masks should be put on consistently , including in airports , airplane , and public transport , " De Vries said .
The CDC specifically advises to wear a mask in these fate :
" wear down a mask during locomotion can also help protect others who can not forefend being in crowded places when they are journey , " theCDC state . " Some of these people might be more vulnerable , like baby under 6 months of eld , persons over 65 year of old age , or those with a de-escalate immune system . "
What are the differences between the three main respiratory illnesses circulating right now?
" The independent respiratory illnesses circulating presently are influenza ( flu ) , COVID-19 , and Respiratory Syncytial Virus ( RSV ) . The flu often presents with sudden onset of fever , brawn aches , and tiredness . COVID-19 symptoms include fever , cough , and respiration trouble , with potential severe respiratory complications . RSV chiefly touch on immature children and infants and grownup over the age of 65 , causing symptoms like coughing , wheezing , and respiration difficulties , " De Vries said .
Is it possible to get sick with all three illnesses at once?
" Yes , it is possible to contract all three sickness at the same time , although the likeliness is relatively low . Co - infections can hap , leading to compounded symptom and likely complications , highlighting the grandness of preventive measures , " De Vries said .
What are the best ways travelers can protect themselves, other than masking?
" traveller should prioritize regular hand washing or the use of hand sanitizers to maintain right script hygiene . Avoiding close-fitting impinging with sick person and practise respiratory etiquette ( get over oral fissure and nose when cough or sneezing ) is all-important . Additionally , staying up to engagement on vaccinations , peculiarly for the flu and COVID-19 , is all-important for shelter , " De Vries say .
How high is the risk now of getting sick, and is it higher or similar to during earlier points in thepandemic?
" The jeopardy of flummox sick with these respiratory illnesses varies ground on factor like vaccination pace , virus variants , local transmission system rates and even the resistant system of rules of the mortal . With vaccination attempt and public health measures , the risk might be depleted compared to earlier stage of the pandemic . However , emerging chance variable and changing experimental condition could influence the risk , underline the importance of ongoing precautions such as hand wash , mask - eroding , and vaccination status , " De Vries state .
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