The Daily The ‘Tripledemic’ Explained
18 snips
Nov 22, 2022 Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for The New York Times, dives into the looming ‘tripledemic’ of RSV, flu, and COVID-19. She explores why children are facing the brunt of these viral infections, sharing a heartfelt story of a mother whose infant struggled with severe RSV. The discussion also highlights limited treatments, the importance of vaccinations, and the challenges posed by new COVID variants as winter approaches. Mandavilli emphasizes the critical need for public health awareness and vigilance.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Caroline's RSV ordeal
- Sarah Stuckey's nine-month-old daughter, Caroline, was hospitalized with RSV.
- After a terrifying ordeal involving a helicopter transfer, Caroline recovered and is now going home.
RSV's resurgence
- RSV is not new, but impacts young children most due to their small airways.
- The pandemic amplified its effects by creating a large pool of susceptible children who lacked prior exposure.
Pediatric Bed Shortage
- 80% of pediatric hospital beds were full as of two weeks prior, with many areas facing shortages.
- Hospitals like Johns Hopkins are receiving transfer requests from hundreds of miles away.