‘Perfect trifecta:’ Sentara physician shares insight on rising COVID-19, flu, and RSV cases

COVID-19 cases are once again beginning to climb while flu and RSV (respiratory syncytial virus) cases are already at “high levels” in communities across Virginia and North Carolina, according to data from the Virginia Department of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The collision of all three respiratory viruses reaching high levels around the same time is something Dr. Bogdan Neughebauer, Sentara Infectious Disease Physician and Chief Medical Officer, refers to as a ‘perfect trifecta.’

“There is a significant increase in the number of infections with influenza, RSV, and COVID,” said Dr. Neughebauer. “The vast majority of these infections are mild and moderate, only a few of them require admissions and only a few of them require to be admitted in the intensive care unit.”

It is likely we are at the beginning of another COVID-19 wave, Dr. Neughebauer said, which would be consistent with the past COVID-19 waves we’ve seen occur typically in July and January. Thankfully, healthcare professionals now have better treatment options against COVID-19 and the cases are not as severe, so Sentara Healthcare facilities are well-prepared for any potential increase in cases.

What makes this ‘trifecta’ unique is that this is the first time healthcare professionals are treating an increase in COVID, RSV, and flu all at the same time. Flu and RSV have been mostly absent over the last two years because of pandemic precautions and extra safety measures.

“RSV is an infection that is very common in children,” Dr. Neughebauer said. “However many of these infections are now occurring in adults which is a very unique situation.”

All three viruses in the ‘trifecta’ can cause similar symptoms.

“Most patients that develop these infections have more or less the same symptoms. They are very much similar to any common cold,” Dr. Neughebauer said. “We are talking dry cough, fever, runny nose, these are the most common symptoms.”

Seeking Treatment for COVID-19, flu, and RSV

Because most of the current infections of COVID-19, influenza and RSV result in mild to moderate cold-like symptoms, these illnesses can be treated at home with over-the-counter medications.

If you develop mild cold symptoms, you should rest, drink plenty of fluids and treat your symptoms with over-the-counter medication. Take an at-home COVID-19 test or go to a local pharmacy for a COVID-19 test.

If your symptoms get worse, your next step should be to call your primary care provider or go to an urgent care location if you don’t have a primary care provider. Your primary care provider’s office can often arrange for a Virtual Telehealth Visit without leaving your home.

If your symptoms become severe and feel that you need immediate medical attention, then you should call 911 or go to an Emergency Department.

Here is a visual graphic that can help better explain where to seek care based on your symptoms:

How to stay safe this winter

With cold temperatures keeping people inside and holiday gatherings bringing large groups of people together, it’s important to follow certain safety precautions to reduce the risk of illness.

“The best way to prevent infections is by washing your hands,” Dr. Neughebauer said. “Washing your hands with water and soap would prevent the transmission of many of these infections.”

Also, if you start to feel sick, stay at home and rest. This would prevent the spread of many illnesses as well.

If you know you are going to a large gathering, you can also consider taking an at-home COVID test before you go. And, consider wearing a mask if the event is indoors.

“Wearing masks significantly decreases the risk of transmitting the infection.” Dr. Neughebauer said.

And finally, you should receive your influenza vaccine and updated COVID-19 booster vaccine. You can find and schedule a vaccine appointment here.