The NHS has warned of a 'tripledemic' which is set to sweep across the UK this winter. There has already been more than 18,000 death from the flu and 19,500 from Covid over the last two winters, according to the NHS. Now three "nasty" viruses - COVID-19, flu and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) - are circulating around the UK.
People all over the UK have begun experiencing a decline in health as the cold weather begins to set in, and this may be due the trio of viruses. Steve Russell, national director for vaccinations and screening at NHS England, described these winter viruses as a 'tripledemic'. There have been at least 18,000 flu deaths and over 19,500 Covid-19 deaths over the last two winters.
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twitter.com/P0W1ORIy2l — NHS (@NHSuk) October 3, 2024 But what exactly is a ‘tripledemic’? Is there cause for concern? And how can you protect yourself against these nasty winter viruses? What is a ‘tripledemic’? “A ‘tripledemic’ refers to side-by-side outbreaks of three respiratory illnesses, typically occurring during the autumn and winter seasons,” explains Dr Chun Tang, a GP at Pall Mall. “In recent years, it’s been used to describe the simultaneous spread of COVID-19, influenza (flu), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
“Each of these viruses can cause severe illness, especially in.