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Health experts warn about a possible 'triple-demic' ahead

Local hospitals could be treating people with COVID-19, flu or RSV in the coming months.

PHOENIX — Valley health experts are warning about a possible triple-demic in the coming months.

They say local hospitals could be treating patients with either COVID-19, the flu or the respiratory virus known as RSV.

“Usually, the RSV season starts October and November,’ said Dr. Arun Lakshmipathy, medical director at Sun Health Senior Living.

Lakshmipathy said they are already seeing cases of RSV and the flu.

“We’re seeing more of it in the elders,” he said.

Lakshmipathy said typically, the respiratory virus RSV affects little kids when the temperatures start to drop, but lately, it’s impacting older people.

RELATED: What is a 'Tripledemic'? How to protect kids from RSV, COVID and the flu

“The incidents are definitely going up,” Lakshmipathy said.

And cases requiring hospital stays are happening earlier in the year.

“During summer months it’s pretty uncommon,” Lakshmipathy said. “…but now we are seeing more of it in summer as well.”

RSV can be more of a challenge to battle for infants and people over the age of 65, especially those with medication conditions.

What’s being done for a possible trifecta of COVID-19, the flu and RSV? Major pharmacy chains have already started rolling out appointments for flu shots. In June, the FDA approved an RSV vaccine for older adults, and an updated COVID-19 booster could be ready by the end of next month.

Doctors say diagnosing ailments can be a challenge, since symptoms for all three include fever, cough, headache, and sore throat, but there are things you can do right now to protect yourself.

“Eating a healthy diet and exercising is important,” Lakshmipathy said.

Keeping your hands washed is a must too.

“So that we don’t go into crisis mode,” Lakshmipathy said.

Overall, stay on top of your health from the get-go to avoid getting sick. If you do get sick, that healthy lifestyle will help you avoid complications and recover faster.

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