In 2022, many of us experienced our first tripledemic, which saw a surge of RSV, COVID-19, and Flu cases all at the same time. In addition to overwhelming pediatric and adult hospitals, it gave parents more to worry about as the preceding COVID pandemic had little effect on children. 

Coming into the 2023-2024 season, what are the risks? 

And are updated vaccines available? 

Let’s take a look at the forecast for each illness, and vaccine guidance. 

RSV

What is RSV?

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), although gaining widespread attention for the first time, is actually a common virus that causes mild to severe respiratory infections. It’s known to cause symptoms similar to the common cold, such as a runny nose and cough.

Most children and adults recover within 1 to 2 weeks, but certain groups are considered to be at a higher risk for severe illness. RSV is also the most common cause of lower respiratory infections, such as pneumonia and bronchitis.

RSV Outlook for 2023

Epidemiologist David Dowdy in a conversation with Johns Hopkins School of Public Health, acknowledges the higher than average case count for RSV in 2022 but for this year says “We don’t know for sure what’s going to happen. But we don’t have any evidence to strongly suggest that things are going to be much, much worse this coming year than they were pre-pandemic. “ 

RSV Vaccine Guidance

The newly released RSV vaccine comes with the following guidance from the Centers for Disease Control. 

Adults over 60 years of age are recommended to get a single dose of RSV Vaccine using shared clinical decision-making. 

All infants younger than 8 months born during or entering their first RSV season are recommended 1 dose of nirsevimab. 

Infants and children 8–19 months old who are at increased risk for severe RSV disease and entering their second RSV season are recommended 1 dose of nirsevimab

This is general guidance on a newly-released vaccine. Refer to this link for more specific information and updates. 

COVID-19

COVID Outlook 2023

Rising cases and a new COVID variant are the last things anyone wants to hear about in 2023 but luckily, the rise in cases has been described as largely manageable and mild in a conversation on the matter in the Harvard Gazette. 

The variant named BA.2.86 has been grabbing headlines and social media attention. Is there cause for concern? As of August 2023, the CDC declares that it is too early to know whether it causes more severe illness than previous variants although it has shown some genetic differences that make it more infectious. 

COVID Vaccine Guidance 2023

The CDC recommends staying up to date with booster shots. 

Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for at least one bivalent vaccine available from Pfizer or Moderna. Novavax vaccines have more limited use. 

Detailed Vaccine Schedules for children vs. adults and routine vs. immunocompromised can be found here. 

Influenza

Flu Outlook for 2023

According to the previously mentioned conversation with Johns Hopkins, Professor Dowdy states that we may see a few more flu cases than in 2020 and 2021 which may cause initial alarm. But we have to remember that those weren’t typical years. 

As a result, it is more or less natural to see an uptick in cases of influenza. 

Flu Vaccine Guidance 2023

As always, Dowdy recommends getting a flu shot in September or October which is meant to provide protection throughout the season. The typical peak of flu season is in January and February. Although the flu gained attention and caused alarm by surging in November 2022, the overall seasonal results weren’t that different from many other years. 

The CDC has a breakdown of the vaccine compositions and updated guidance for those with egg allergies here. 

Other Steps to Protect Yourself

In addition to vaccines there are other important steps to take to protect yourself from illness. The foundation of all health advice including immunity is healthy diet, exercise and sufficient sleep. All of these contribute to a healthy immune system. Additional steps include: 

• Washing hands regularly and thoroughly. 
• Creating an environment with good air quality and circulation. This can be achieved by cleaning duct work, changing air filters and using air-purifying devices. 
• Physical distancing. If you can, maintain distance from sick individuals and stay away from others in the case that you fall ill. 
• Masking. The right mask can add an additional layer of protection. 

Bottom Line

Experts don’t expect higher case counts over the 2023-2024 season for RSV and Influenza. Slight upticks in COVID cases make the news but may not have much impact other than that. 

Vaccines for all three are widely available with unique guidance for each one. 

This article is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be used as medical advice. If you have immediate concerns about your health, please seek the help of your physician. 

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

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