US Faces Spread of Flu, COVID-19, RSV, and Norovirus
Arctic Cold Wave Forecast Nationwide
Recently, the spread of infectious diseases has been alarming, especially in the United States. With an Arctic cold wave forecasted to sweep across the country, the situation is expected to worsen.
On the 3rd (local time), the US AP News reported concerns about a 'quad-demic'?the simultaneous outbreak of four infectious diseases: influenza, COVID-19, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and norovirus.
The outlet cited data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), stating that at least 5.3 million flu cases have been reported nationwide this winter, with 63,000 hospitalizations. Deaths due to influenza have reached 2,700, including 11 children. As the year-end and New Year holiday season approaches, the number of patients is rapidly increasing. Last week, 40 out of 50 US states were rated as having a 'high' or 'very high' level of disease prevalence.
Not only COVID-19, which causes symptoms similar to the flu, but also a significant number of patients infected with RSV have been reported. RSV is particularly dangerous for infants and the elderly. Dr. Jason Newland, an infectious disease expert at Nationwide Children’s Hospital in Columbus, Ohio, revealed that pediatric wards have been crowded with RSV patients since November last year. On top of that, flu patients have now joined the influx.
In this regard, New York City advised, “Elderly individuals with weakened immune systems should promptly receive flu and RSV vaccinations,” and recommended that “the elderly and those recently infected with the flu consider wearing masks in crowded environments to reduce virus transmission.”
The CDC also assessed that norovirus, a wintertime unwelcome visitor causing symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, chills, and fever, is spreading faster than usual, with 91 outbreak cases reported in early last month. Experts warn that norovirus can remain dormant and infectious for up to a month in almost any environment, indicating its strong survivability.
The US economic magazine Fortune diagnosed the situation as one of concern for a 'quad-demic,' with the spread of influenza, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus all occurring simultaneously.
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