The term “quad-demic” has been coined to describe the simultaneous outbreak of four illnesses: flu, Covid, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus. While some might view this as an exciting challenge to solve, others see it as a tedious task to keep track of who’s sick with what.
As I ponder the “quad-demic,” I find myself inquisitive about those around me. Am they feeling unwell? Have they tested positive for Covid or the flu? Do they experience any symptoms that could be attributed to one of these illnesses?
Some argue this is a post-pandemic effect, where people are constantly on high alert for potential infections. Others claim it’s just a superstition, stemming from a lingering fear of getting sick.
Personally, I see collecting data on these symptoms as a useful endeavor, albeit an amateurish one. By keeping track of who has what illness, we may inadvertently identify patterns or connections that could lead to better treatments or prevention strategies.
However, this raises another question: why are we collecting so much information when it may not be actionable? Is it purely out of curiosity or do we truly believe this data will lead to breakthroughs?
The “quad-demic” symptom tracker is a curious phenomenon. While it might be frustrating to constantly update one’s knowledge on who’s sick, it could also spark new discoveries and innovations in the fight against these illnesses.
As the winter months approach, it’s essential to acknowledge both the benefits and drawbacks of tracking symptoms during the “quad-demic.” By understanding this complex issue, we can work towards creating more effective solutions for those affected.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2024/dec/17/the-quad-demic-is-here-and-with-it-i-have-become-a-disease-detective