“Triple Demic” affects mobile hospitals.Experts say this is just the beginning

Mobile, Alabama (WKRGMore) — COVID-19, RSV, and influenza cases are on the rise nationwide, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Health officials are calling it a “triple infection” because of the rising number of cases.

Medical experts in the mobile region say the term “triple demic” is accurate and that this is just the beginning of what’s to come this winter.

Dr. Al Babcock of Spring Hill Medical Center told Mobile that he saw a spike in flu and RSV cases typical of the start of winter.

“RS virus cases are actually being admitted to this hospital because we expect them to be with young children at this time of year,” Babcock said. There is nothing to do.”

Dr. Larry Mellick of USA Health works primarily in children’s and women’s hospitals. He said Mobile sees many cases of his RSV that primarily affect children.

“RSV is the number one reason for hospitalization in children under the age of one,” said Mellick. “And it’s a very important cause of lower respiratory tract infections. And in fact, it’s also an important cause of death in children.”

He said the number of patients hospitalized for RSV is in record numbers.

Normally he sees 160 patients a day, but he saw 260 patients in two days. With so many people being hospitalized, there are some challenges in providing enough beds for all patients, Merrick said.

“We are in trouble, we are in trouble and we have patients,” Mellick said. “I’m not saying this to discourage anyone from coming to the ER. We’ll take care of you. We’ll take care of you, even if we have to meet you in the hallway.”

As the “triple disease” continues to affect local hospitals, Babcock and Merrick said the best way to stay safe is to get COVID-19 and flu shots.

“The biggest thing is to get the flu vaccine this year.

“Get vaccinated. Don’t be silly about this, get vaccinated for COVID,” Merrick said. We need to reduce the death toll.”

Both medical experts said there could be more cases of all three viruses this winter.