38. A Respiratory Triple Threat

Contagious Conversations

You've probably heard a lot recently about the so-called "tridemic" or "tripledemic." This concurrent impact of COVID-19, influenza and RSV introduced major challenges to our public health system...but taught major lessons, too.

David Snyder, director of content for the CDC Foundation, is your guest host for today’s episode. He's joined by Dr. Laura Evans, a professor in the Division of Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Medicine at the University of Washington and medical director of critical care at the University of Washington Medical Center. Dr. Evans also serves as the principal investigator of the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Preparedness study—known as SARI Prep—supported by the CDC Foundation as a way to provide better clinical care and treatment for those with severe respiratory illness.

In this episode, David and Laura discuss the recent tridemic of COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), as well as the origins, purpose and impact of the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Preparedness study.

For full episode transcription, visit Contagious Conversations.

Key Takeaways:

[1:36] Dr. Evans talks about the unique and remarkable event of the recent tridemic.

[3:22] How does an acute respiratory infectious disease affect the life of someone infected?

[5:18] Dr. Evans talks about what lessons we have learned from seasonal influenza.

[6:07] What barriers do we face in educating people about the health risks of respiratory infections?

[8:08] Dr. Evans explains how COVID affects every aspect of our society.

[8:45] Dr. Evans speaks of the origins of the Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Preparedness study.

[11:33] What are the main goals of the study?

[14:18] Dr. Evans shares the importance of remembering that patient care doesn’t happen in a vacuum; it occurs within a healthcare system.

[15:45] How do you measure the level of stress suffered by medical staff and people caring for patients with respiratory infectious diseases?

[19:08] Dr. Evans talks about the infrastructure necessary for an effective emergency response.

[22:24] Dr. Evans shares what surprised her during the study.

[24:06] How can this study prepare us for the next outbreak?

Mentioned in This Episode:

Severe Acute Respiratory Infection Preparedness Study