SCHAUMBURG, Ill. (November 18, 2022) – The Emergency Nurses Association released the following statement on Thursday.

Emergency departments across the country are facing overcrowding and long wait times driven by the recent surge of pediatric patients presenting with RSV. Combining that with an early rise in flu cases and a possible winter wave of COVID-19 has led to concerns about a “tridemic.”

ED nurses have been seeing and experiencing this firsthand. As always, ENA is here to support all emergency nurses with resources to help you through these trying times.

ENA University offers resources on the flow and care of pediatric patients and addressing pediatric surges in the ED, as well as covering respiratory illnesses in ENPC materials. The Pediatric Pandemic Network also recently updated its Pediatric Surge Recommendations and Resources which provides recommendations regarding strategies, space, supplies and staff and resources that can be used now as well as pediatric preparedness.

With flu season upon us and COVID-19 a lingering issue, ENA asks all ED nurses – and the general public – to be ambassadors of healthy habits to mitigate the spread of these viruses. Wash your hands, cover your nose and mouth when sneezing and coughing and regularly disinfect commonly touched items and surfaces.

ENA also encourages everyone six months and older to get their annual flu shot and COVID-19 booster. Please be mindful of those most at risk – including babies, the elderly and immunocompromised individuals – and limit contact with others if you’re not feeling well.

This holiday season, do what’s best to keep yourself and others safe and healthy – and out of the emergency department.