Has a ‘quademic’ hit the US? 4 viral infections and what to know about them
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As the U.S. grapples with the circulation of four viruses, concerns of a possible “quademic” have emerged. Influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus are all at “very high levels” across the country, according to Samuel Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences at Northeastern University.
“We are in the middle of a very serious situation with respect to circulating pathogens,” Scarpino told Fox News Digital. Data from the national wastewater surveillance system indicates that some areas, such as Boston, are approaching the peak for all four diseases, while cases continue to rise in other regions.
Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Fox News senior medical analyst, emphasized that it is currently peak respiratory virus season. While it may not be a “quad-demic” per se, the presence of multiple respiratory viruses and bacteria poses a significant challenge.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported elevated flu activity, with an 18.8% positivity rate for flu tests and 11 pediatric deaths related to the virus. COVID-19 maintains a 6.6% test positivity rate, while RSV and norovirus cases are also surging.
Differentiating between these viruses can be challenging, according to Kenneth Perry, MD, an emergency physician. While most people may not need to distinguish between them, some patients may require specific treatment based on the virus they have contracted.
Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, highlighted the unique risks posed by each virus, particularly for the elderly and infants. Preventive measures such as vaccination, hand hygiene, and avoiding contact with infected individuals are crucial in mitigating the spread of these viruses.
While vaccines are available for COVID, flu, and RSV, efforts are underway to develop a vaccine for norovirus. Siegel recommended focusing on hydration, rest, and symptom monitoring for those who contract any of the viruses.
As the severity of flu and COVID can vary from year to year, Perry emphasized the importance of maintaining a strong relationship with a primary care physician. By staying informed about individual risk factors and receiving appropriate care, individuals can navigate the challenges posed by these circulating viruses effectively.
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