A quadruple-whammy of viruses is hitting the US as millions return to work after the holidays, data shows. Flu, Covid, RSV, and norovirus cases are surging, prompting a return of mask mandates in some states.
Official figures reveal that flu infections have sickened an estimated 3.1 million people so far this season, while 37,000 have been hospitalized and 1,500 have died. The number of states with ‘very high’ levels of the disease has quadrupled to eight.
Covid cases are also rising, with estimates suggesting 2.5 to 4.4 million cases between October and December 7, including 72,000 to 120,000 hospitalizations and 8,200 to 13,000 deaths.
Experts say the surge in winter infections is driven by increased mixing over the holiday period and travel on public transport and airplanes. People’s immune systems weakened during Covid lockdowns and work-from-home rules leave some at greater risk of more severe illness.
The CDC recommends getting the annual flu vaccination, staying up to date on Covid and RSV vaccines, and taking actions such as frequent handwashing, covering coughs, and staying home when sick to limit the spread of viruses.
Source: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-14243897/doctors-warn-pandemic-four-viral-infection-rates-soar.html