North Carolina residents are facing a quadrupledemic, with four contagious respiratory illnesses spreading rapidly across the state this winter. According to Dr. David Weber, an infectious disease specialist at the UNC School of Medicine, the main culprits are COVID-19, influenza (flu), Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and walking pneumonia.
The latest variant of COVID-19 is highly contagious, with numbers expected to peak after Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Year’s celebrations. Influenza cases are also increasing steadily, while RSV cases remain high for this time of year. Walking pneumonia, caused by a bacterial infection, can cause serious lung infections and require hospitalization.
Young children and older adults are particularly vulnerable to these illnesses, making it essential for the general population to take precautions. To protect themselves, residents can wear masks, get vaccinated (especially during the holiday season), take early therapies, and stay safe through simple measures like covering their nose and mouth when sneezing and washing their hands.
While it’s not too late to get a flu or COVID vaccine, only 33% of adults in North Carolina have received their flu shot this season. To find a vaccine near you, visit covid19.ncdhhs.gov/vaccines and enter your zip code. Free masks are also available for those who need them, with organizations like CLT Mask Bloc distributing N95 masks across the state.
With these illnesses spreading rapidly, it’s crucial for residents to take steps to protect themselves and their loved ones from infection. By following these guidelines and staying informed, North Carolina can mitigate the impact of this quadrupledemic and stay safe this winter season.
Source: https://www.newsobserver.com/news/state/north-carolina/article297224169.html