The Air Rescue Team of FEMERAID International informs all our members, Knights and Dames of the Sovereign Order of Saint John of Jerusalem, Knights of Malta, Federation of the Autonomous Priories (KMFAP) about the followings:

This winter we could face a “tripledemic”, a nasty collision of three viruses – seasonal flu, Covid-19 (with several variants flowing freely), and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (R.S.V.). This could cause a surge of patients seeking treatment in hospitals that are already stretched thin.

On an individual level, especially if you are relatively healthy, none of these viruses pose a major threat. However, it is a threat to our healthcare system, children, pregnant women and the elderly who may end up in the hospital. If the vulnerable people get really sick, they may not be able to receive proper care when hospitals are already full.

What is R.V.S.? It is a respiratory virus that is a significant cause of respiratory problems to children. Due to Covid-19, the virus is now acting in a strange way. Normally you see R.S.V. in the winter, but in the UK and the USA we had R.S.V. waves during spring and summer. Currently, the doctors we have been talking to are saying that their wards are already filling up with children who have R.S.V. in particular.

How should we approach the “tripledemic”?

- If you haven’t received the Covid-19 booster yet, it’s time to take it, especially if you have medical conditions or if you deal directly with vulnerable people. Get vaccinated against the seasonal flu, too. Vaccinations give you some protection against these viruses. - Wear a mask if you can and wash your hands frequently. - Do not go to work or school when you are sick.

Keep safe and stay healthy.

7th November 2022