As winter sets in, health experts are sounding alarms about an unusual surge in respiratory illnesses dubbed a ‘quademic,’ which includes COVID-19, flu, RSV (respiratory syncytial virus), and norovirus. Emergency rooms across the country are reporting high patient volumes, and some hospitals are again overwhelmed, prompting fears of another health crisis resembling that of 2020. According to a CDC report, influenza cases have jumped significantly, with an estimated 9 million infections so far this season. Dr. Jayanta Bhattacharya from Stanford University warned, ‘This is going to be a challenging winter.’ In Michigan, local health departments are also experiencing an uptick in these illnesses, raising concerns in communities. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services stated that RSV hospitalizations for children are at their highest level in over a decade. Experts are urging the public to get vaccinated for both the flu and COVID-19 as preventive measures to curb the spread. The CDC further noted that flu vaccination can significantly reduce the risk of severe illness. Additionally, an unusual strain of norovirus is also contributing to the surge, with outbreaks reported in schools and nursing homes. Dr. Sarah Fortune, a virologist at Harvard, mentioned, ‘We cannot afford to be complacent this winter.’ The combination of these illnesses is expected to persist, and public health officials are advising individuals to take precautions and maintain hygiene practices to mitigate transmission rates.
Health Experts Warn of ‘Quademic’ as Flu, RSV, COVID-19, and Norovirus Surge This Winter
