What are the four viral infections currently affecting the US and what should you know about them?

Four viruses are currently spreading in the U.S., causing alarm about a potential "quademic."

The levels of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus are "very high" across the country, as stated by Samuel Scarpino, director of AI and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston.

He informed Planet Chronicle Digital that we are currently facing a critical issue regarding circulating pathogens.

According to data from our national wastewater surveillance system, some regions, including Boston, appear to be experiencing a peak in all four diseases, while cases are still increasing in other areas, as stated by Scarpino.

Currently, peak respiratory virus season, Dr. Marc Siegel, clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and Planet Chronicle senior medical analyst, pointed out.

He stated to Planet Chronicle Digital that it is not a "quad-demic," but rather a combination of respiratory viruses and bacteria.

Siegel cautioned about respiratory illness caused by mycoplasma, pertussis, and strep, in addition to the four viruses he mentioned.

Viruses by the numbers

The CDC reported that the flu positivity rate for the week ending Jan. 11 was 18.8%, with seasonal influenza activity remaining high across most of the country.

The agency announced that this season's influenza has resulted in 27 deaths, including 11 pediatric deaths.

"We are in the middle of a very serious situation with respect to circulating pathogens."

According to CDC data, as of Jan. 11, COVID-19 had a 6.6% test positivity rate, with 1.3% of emergency room visits resulting in a diagnosis and 1.8% of all deaths being linked to the virus.

The respiratory syncytial virus, a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs, nose, and throat, has a test positivity rate of 8.9%.

The number of norovirus cases, commonly referred to as the stomach bug, is increasing.

In 2024, the number of norovirus outbreaks in the U.S. increased by 132 compared to the previous year, from August 1 to Dec. 11.

Differentiating between viruses

An emergency physician in South Carolina, Kenneth Perry, MD, stated that his hospital has recently experienced an increase in emergency department visits due to these infections.

"It is challenging to distinguish between different viruses based on symptoms such as cough, nasal congestion, and fever. While for many individuals, identifying the specific virus is not crucial, it is critical for some patients."

It's unlikely that someone can have all four viruses simultaneously, but it's possible for individuals to have two or three of them at the same time, according to Perry.

It can be challenging for practicing internists and infectious disease specialists to differentiate between multiple viruses circulating.

"Distinguishing between hospitals, urgent care centers, and labs can be aided by respiratory panels," he stated.

Scarpino mentioned that combined rapid tests can detect both influenza and COVID at the same time.

Potential risk factors

Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, stated that all four viruses currently in circulation pose a distinct risk of severe illness in the elderly, according to a report by Planet Chronicle Digital.

RSV poses unique risks for infants, experts agree.

"Of the four viruses in widespread circulation, all post a unique risk of severe illness in the elderly."

RSV can cause severe nasal congestion in young infants, which can disrupt their ability to eat and consume enough calories, warned Perry.

According to Perry, dehydration can become a "major issue" for norovirus.

"Infants who are unable to consume water or sports drinks may be at a higher risk of dehydration."

According to Glanville, long COVID is a "major concern" for most adults because the chronic condition is not yet fully understood and effective treatments have not yet been developed.

In the U.S., influenza has traditionally been a major cause of mortality.

Although we are more accustomed to worrying about COVID nowadays, it is crucial to treat the flu with utmost seriousness, he emphasized.

Scarpino stated that individuals with pre-existing conditions are more likely to experience severe illness from all four viruses.

Prevention and treatment

Glanville advises getting vaccinated, avoiding contact with infected individuals, and practicing proper sanitation to prevent the spread of four circulating viruses.

"To prevent getting any of these viruses, the best thing you can do is wash your hands, especially after touching public surfaces, advised Perry."

Currently, vaccines are available for COVID, flu, and RSV, but not for norovirus, although an mRNA vaccine is being developed, according to Scarpino.

Despite a decline in cases in certain areas, we are not yet out of the danger zone, so it's crucial to get vaccinated, according to him.

Siegel advises those who contract any of the viruses to prioritize hydration, adequate rest, and close monitoring of symptoms.

The doctor advised that those who are sick should remain at home, avoid direct contact with others, and wear masks in enclosed spaces.

Perry highlighted that the severity of flu and COVID is "recurrent."

"The best thing you can do to keep from getting any of these viruses is to keep your hands clean."

"The flu virus can be mild in some years and more virulent in others, just like COVID with its different variants during the pandemic, he said on Planet Chronicle Digital."

It is crucial for patients to have a strong bond with their primary care physician during the emergence of typical seasonal viruses, according to Perry.

For more Health articles, visit planetchronicle.net/health

"By informing their doctor of their risk category, patients can receive the appropriate care for their health even if they contract one of these viruses."