Health experts are concerned about the recent surge in Covid-19 and influenza cases in Maharashtra and India. They fear this is because of an increase in lower respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) circulation in the atmosphere along with other respiratory viruses like influenza A and B (H3N2, referred to as common seasonal flu) and SARS-CoV-2. Vulnerable age groups, which comprise children and elders, have fallen victim to this triple whammy. While there is no vaccine for RSV, the concern is that the public at large has stopped taking precautionary shots for the other two viruses. Health experts have cautioned citizens to mask up in public and follow Covid-appropriate behaviour to prevent transmission of the viruses.

Triple whammy

“The triple viral whammy of respiratory illnesses is projected to put high pressure on healthcare systems. A similar situation is emerging early in Mumbai and several states, possibly due to reduced exposure to these viruses during years of following Covid-appropriate measures. For influenza viruses, India has several local vaccines for individuals over 6 months of age to prevent severe respiratory illnesses,” said Dr Subhash Hira, professor of global health at the University of Washington, Seattle, an infectious diseases expert and member of health core groups of G20.