A new season of sickness is upon us, with public health experts warning of a “quad-demic” – a combination of four infectious diseases that are coexisting in high numbers: influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus. This overlap makes it increasingly difficult for people to distinguish between symptoms, leading to delayed diagnosis and treatment.
Flu Cases Reach Record Highs
Influenza cases have reached 40 million since the 2023-2024 season, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Most people recover within days or weeks, but some cases can be severe. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, and muscle aches.
COVID-19 Cases Remain Elevated
Despite being less prevalent than during the pandemic, COVID-19 still poses a risk, particularly among vulnerable populations. The CDC reports an estimated 2.7 to 5 million illnesses between October and December. Symptoms include fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath, and loss of taste or smell.
RSV Season Peaks in December
Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) affects the nose, throat, and lungs, with symptoms similar to a common cold. Infants and older adults are most susceptible. The CDC warns that not all symptoms may appear simultaneously, and infants may only experience irritability and breathing difficulties.
Norovirus Strikes Again
The stomach bug norovirus is highly contagious and causes inflammation of the stomach and intestines. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, stomach pain, fever, and dehydration. People of all ages can contract norovirus, but severe infections occur in children under five, older adults, and those with weakened immune systems.
Other Winter Illnesses to Watch
Bird flu, walking pneumonia, and whooping cough are also causing concern among doctors. Bird flu has been reported in 66 cases in the US since April, while walking pneumonia affects an estimated two million people annually. Whooping cough, a highly contagious respiratory infection, causes severe hacking coughs and is particularly concerning for unvaccinated children.
As the quad-demic spreads across the US, it’s essential to know the symptoms of each disease and take precautions to prevent transmission. Experts recommend taking COVID-19 tests at testing sites, doctor’s offices, or pharmacies, as well as practicing good hygiene and getting vaccinated against flu and other seasonal illnesses.
Source: https://www.newsnationnow.com/health/infectious-diseases-winter-season-flu-rsv-covid