The Local Voice

Dr. Kritika Gupta on Nutrition: Tripledemic – Can We Protect Ourselves?

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Just as we thought COVID-19 was left in the past, the surging cases of respiratory illnesses such as COVID-19, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in the United States suggests otherwise. Like any other respiratory disease and infection, the at-risk population includes young children, older adults, and those with a weaker immune system. According to the Centers for Diseases Control and Prevention (CDC), this year the rate of RSV for children up to four years old is 36.3 per 100,000. Because the symptoms of each of these diseases are so overlapping, it often becomes difficult to have an early diagnosis. Further, anyone who comes in close contact with the infected individuals increases their risk of catching the disease.

How can you protect yourself against the tripledemic?

Yale Medicine suggest that wearing masks, reducing big gatherings, hand washing, and sanitizing are all helpful measures to prevent the spread of these diseases. However, your body’s immune system remains the most important natural protective mechanism against illness. While a certain kind of diet has not yet been discovered to be helpful against these diseases, the basics of immune system remain the same. For example:

See a doctor!

As soon as you suspect yourself of being exposed to any of these respiratory infections, make sure you see a doctor right away. If your child has cough or fever, seeing a pediatrician is the right thing to do. Although hospitals are expected to be full, most providers offer telemedicine these days so you can request an online consult without having to leave your home.

I hope you stay safe and help those near and dear to you to stay safe during this Tripledemic!

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