Public health authorities have set alarm bells ringing as a potent mix of COVID-19, influenza, RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus), and the highly contagious norovirus, dubbed as the ‘quad-demic’, is creating a degree of strain on hospitals and emergency rooms nationwide. Over the winter season, it is quite common to see an escalation in the activity of such viruses, primarily due to the increased indoor time people spend, facilitating an easier transmission of these diseases. All four possess the potential to cause severe symptoms that often necessitate emergency medical intervention.
As per the latest surveillance report issued by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), a significant portion of the nation is grappling with high or exceptionally high levels of respiratory viruses. A subsequent update from the agency indicates that national wastewater surveillance data reveal a high activity level for influenza A, moderate level for RSV, while COVID-19 levels remain low. However, when combined with norovirus, the cumulative effect poses a quadruple threat.
Norovirus-specific data gathered from public health laboratories across the country by CDC indicates the strongest hit on Midwest states, from Kansas to Michigan, with the highly contagious norovirus, whose usual symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. Throughout the country, norovirus positivity test levels either match or exceed the peak level of the previous season. The latest update on respiratory diseases from CDC has stated that the next two-week predictions for COVID suggest a sustained low level of emergency department visits as compared to previous winter seasons whereas predictions for influenza indicate that emergency department visits will observe a sharp rise in the majority of states.
Dr. Matthew Sims, Director of Infectious Disease Research at Corewell Health, Michigan, disclosed to ABC News that since mid-January, they have seen a steady increase in the number of patients arriving at the emergency rooms for influenza and COVID-19, with many requiring hospital admission. Dr. Scott Roberts, Medical Director of Infection Prevention at Yale New Haven Health, emphasized how this surge has used up almost 100 percent of hospital capacity and any addition of more patients puts a tremendous strain on the system.
Hence, managing this ‘quad-demic’ effectively will be crucial in ensuring that hospitals can adequately cater to all patients while preventing the uncontrolled spread of these viruses. Stay updated with the latest local news directly delivered to your inbox. Register today for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Source: https://patch.com/us/across-america/quad-demic-illnesses-straining-u-s-emergency-rooms