How to Protect Yourself from the Tridemic

Written by: U-Earth Store

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Time to read 5 min

Tridemic meaning

A triple threat of three illnesses occurring at the same time, otherwise known as a ‘tridemic’, has ripped through countries around the world, overwhelming healthcare systems and leaving many people not only sick but worried. Find out what they are and how you can avoid them here. 

Countries the world over have seen a recent spike in COVID-19, influenza (flu) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) all at the same time. This triple threat, or ‘tridemic’ as it’s also known, has been caused by a mixture of an early flu season, unseasonably cold weather and the continuing circulation of COVID-19 strains. But what are these illnesses and how can you keep yourself safe from them? Let’s find out.

An Overview of Each Illness

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a highly contagious virus that can cause respiratory infections, such as bronchiolitis and pneumonia, in infants, young children, and older adults. 

Influenza

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that affects the respiratory system.

COVID-19

 COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, is a highly contagious respiratory illness caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus.

hyper-u molecule tridemic

What are the symptoms of each?

The symptoms of RSV are similar to those of the common cold, including a runny nose, cough, and fever. In more severe cases, it can cause bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia. Symptoms of flu include fever, sore throat, cough, congestion, body aches, and fatigue. Symptoms of COVID-19 include fever, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, body aches, and loss of taste or smell. It's worth noting that symptoms can vary from person to person, and some people may not have any symptoms at all. Additionally, some people may experience more severe symptoms than others.

tridemic infection spread

How does each illness spread?


  • RSV spreads easily through the air and can also be spread by touching contaminated surfaces and then touching the nose or mouth. 
  • Influenza spreads easily through the air by coughing and sneezing. 
  • COVID-19 spreads through respiratory droplets when an infected person talks, coughs or sneezes.

tridemic flu covid rvs

How to protect yourself from the Trimedic


  • Wear a mask: Wearing a mask can help prevent the spread of respiratory illnesses by blocking droplets from entering or leaving the nose and mouth.
  • Get a vaccine or booster: Vaccines are available for flu and COVID-19, and getting vaccinated can reduce the risk of contracting these illnesses.
  • Wash surfaces and your hands regularly: Regularly washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and cleaning and disinfecting frequently touched surfaces can help reduce the spread of germs.
  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and stay home when you are feeling unwell.
  • Practise respiratory hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or the inside of your elbow when you cough or sneeze.
  • Maintain physical distance (at least 6 feet) from others, especially those who are at higher risk of severe illness from COVID-19.
  • Boost your immune defences: a big part of avoiding illnesses is making sure you’re in tip-top health. If you struggle to get all your nutrients from your daily diet, a natural supplement can really help. Hyper-U is a biotech supplement that contains superfoods and 30 vitamins and minerals that play a part in enhancing your body’s immune response.

u-mask model 2.2 admiral

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The Importance of Masking Up During the Tridemic of 2023

As we navigate through 2023, the term "tridemic" has become part of our lexicon, referring to the concurrent surge of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.

 

The healthcare community has once again turned to a familiar public health tool: the mask.

Masking has emerged as a simple yet potent defense. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) now advises masking based on local COVID-19 transmission levels, but the wisdom of wearing masks extends to guarding against the broader tridemic. 

 

Masks serve as barriers, not only reducing the spread of coronavirus but also mitigating the transmission of flu and RSV, particularly in crowded, enclosed spaces where the risk of respiratory infection is higher.

Navigating the Tridemic with Masks: A Smart Move for Public Transportation

In the throes of 2023's tridemic, masks have taken centre stage once again. Their importance is most pronounced in the bustling arteries of urban life: our public transportation systems. Subways, trains, and aeroplanes are not just vehicles for commuting but potential hotbeds for the spread of respiratory illnesses. In these confined spaces, where social distancing is often not feasible, masks act as a critical shield against the invisible onslaught of pathogens.

U-Mask on the London Tube

Masks on Subways and Trains

Subways and trains epitomize the challenge of containing respiratory viruses. They are often packed, with little ventilation, creating an environment where viruses can thrive. Masking in such settings does more than protect the individual; it curbs the community spread. By trapping droplets that may contain viruses before they can linger in the air or land on surfaces, masks can significantly reduce the transmission risk for everyone aboard.

Air Travel and Masks

Aeroplanes, while boasting better air filtration systems, still pose a risk with passengers in close quarters for extended periods. The recirculated air in cabins can carry germs from one passenger to another, but masks serve as a personal filtration system, adding an extra layer of protection. Many airlines and health experts continue to strongly recommend or even mandate masks, especially during the tridemic, to maintain a safer travel environment.

Crowded Places Beyond Transportation

The logic for masking extends to any crowded place — be it a concert hall, a sports stadium, or a shopping centre. The principle is the same: where people gather, the risk of spreading the tridemic viruses increases. Masks, especially high-filtration ones like FFP2 or equivalent N95, KN95, can significantly cut down the likelihood of inhaling airborne particles carrying these viruses.


In essence, as we manoeuvre through the challenges posed by the simultaneous circulation of COVID-19, influenza, and RSV, masks emerge as a simple yet powerful tool. They not only serve as a personal health measure but also signify a communal effort to protect each other, especially in the hustle and bustle of public transportation and crowded spaces. The adoption of masks in our daily transit could very well be one of the defining acts of consideration in this era of the tridemic.