The Daily

The ‘Tripledemic’ Explained

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.

25:36

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Episode guests

Apoorva Mandavilli

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Episode notes

Intro

2min

The Struggle Against RSV: A Mother's Tale

10min

RSV and Flu: Current Treatments and Future Prospects

7min

Emerging COVID Variants and Immunity Challenges This Winter

2min

Vaccines, Valor, and Vigilance

8min

This winter, three major respiratory viruses — respiratory syncytial virus or R.S.V., the flu and the coronavirus — are poised to collide in the United States in what some health officials are calling a “tripledemic.”

What does this collision have to do with our response to the coronavirus pandemic, and why are children so far the worst affected?

Guest: Apoorva Mandavilli, a science and global health reporter for The New York Times.

Background reading:

Most cases of Covid, flu and R.S.V. are likely to be mild, but together they may sicken millions of Americans and swamp hospitals, public health experts warned.

For more information on today’s episode, visit nytimes.com/thedaily. Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

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