A potential “quad-demic” is expected to hit the US this winter, as multiple respiratory viruses including flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus threaten to overwhelm emergency rooms.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that emergency room visits for COVID-19, flu, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are on the rise. This is despite a slow start to the season so far.
However, virologists note that certain viruses don’t “get along” well with each other, which can lead to viral interference and reduce the severity of symptoms.
The four major viruses that could ruin holiday fun include:
Flu: Typically caused by influenza A or B viruses, flu symptoms are often more intense than a cold. Symptoms include fever, chills, sore throat, dry cough, headaches, muscle aches, and fatigue.
COVID-19: The CDC noted that COVID-19 activity is beginning to rise from low levels in some parts of the country. Symptoms include fever or chills, cough, breathing troubles, sore throat, congestion, runny nose, loss of taste or smell, fatigue, muscle or body aches, headache, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
RSV: A highly contagious virus that typically causes mild symptoms in adults but can be life-threatening for infants and older adults. Symptoms include a runny nose, congestion, fever, cough, sneezes, and wheezes.
Norovirus: Known as the “winter vomiting bug,” norovirus is a leading cause of foodborne illness, vomiting, and diarrhea in the US. Symptoms include stomach cramps, nausea, low-grade fever or chills, headache, and muscle aches.
To mitigate the risk of infection, health experts recommend getting vaccinated against flu and COVID-19, practicing good hygiene, staying home when sick, and following proper food safety practices to avoid norovirus outbreaks.
Source: https://nypost.com/2024/12/16/health/what-to-know-about-quad-demic-threat-that-could-hit-this-winter