US Faces Winter ‘Quad-Demic’: Surge in Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Norovirus Sparks Alarms
The world has endured the coronavirus pandemic and its aftershocks can be felt even to this day. Therefore talks of ‘Quad-Demic’ can terrorize even the most valiant and brave.
The US is facing a “quad-demic” this winter and has seen a surge in flu, Covid-19, RSV, and norovirus infections of unimaginable proportions.
Experts indicate different causes for the sudden surge in these infections, including holiday congregations and a weakened immune system.
Health officials have asked for enhanced vaccinations, better hand hygiene, compulsory mask-wearing and avoiding travel to combat the rising infections.
The US faces a winter ‘quad-demic’ as cases of flu surge
The figures released by the authorities are a cause of concern. More than 3.1 million people have been afflicted by the flu and it led to 37,000 hospitalizations and 1,500 morbidities as per the figures released by the CDC.
COVID-19 continues to send shivers down the spines of the health authorities with 2.5 to 4.4 million cases reported since October and more than 120,000 patients requiring medical intervention. Also, the RSV hospitalizations have increased by 40 percent over two weeks. Also, the norovirus outbreaks have increased three times this fall.
The situation has been quantified by Dr Joe Bresee, an infectious disease expert and former CDC official who stated,
“We are in store for increases through January, with peaks varying regionally. These four viruses tend to rise simultaneously, creating a challenging public health environment.”
Masks are once again becoming a necessity in hospitals and health systems across the country and several health centres like facilities in Illinois, Wisconsin’s Aurora Health Care system, New Jersey’s RWJBarnabas Health and Indiana have reintroduced masking rules for staff and visitors.
Experts indict an increase in indoor activities, gatherings of people and a falling immunity on the surge in these opportunistic infections. Dr William Schaffner of Vanderbilt University Medical Center outlined family reunions, collections of people in a location that provide the perfect opportunity for the spread of infections.
Also, the general laxity in vaccinations exemplified by the fact that only 21% of adults and 10.6% of children have received the updated Covid-19 vaccine and the flu vaccinations standing woefully at 40% have all contributed to the surge in infections.
How to Protect Yourself?
Get vaccinated: Get shots for Annual flu and Covid-19 vaccines. RSV vaccines are also recommended for geriatric persons.
Practice good hygiene: Wash your hands regularly especially before eating and after ablations.
Mask up in crowded spaces: Wear masks in crowded places.
Stay home when sick: Don’t go outside if you are confirmed sick and symptomatic.
Also Read: Klaus Schwab 6 Billion Depopulation Story: Origins of the Viral Conspiracy Theory
