The threat of the “Quademic”
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The recent norovirus outbreak has led scientists to consider the threat of a quademic this winter. Please use caution and keep yourself healthy!
The recent norovirus outbreak has led scientists to consider the threat of a “quademic” this winter. The Quademic consists of the norovirus, flu, Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV), and COVID-19. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) predicts that this winter, hospitalizations will rise from these illnesses, especially as the norovirus is more common in winter.
The norovirus has been reported to be seen in 14 states thus far. In the week of Jan. 4, 26 percent of norovirus tests were reported to be positive, which is a five-year high. In the week of Jan. 18, a fourth of influenza tests tested positive, as well as 8.8 percent of RSV and 6.2 percent of COVID-19 tests. Severe flu, RSV, and COVID-19 cases can result in death and permanently damage the lungs and memory, as seen from the 2020 pandemic.
RSV is specifically known to be deadly within the first year of life. It is difficult to distinguish from the common cold, and most infants suffer from RSV within their first five years of life. The elderly and those immunocompromised are also at high risk.
The norovirus is also known as the stomach flu. It is highly contagious and is resistant to disinfectant sprays. Medical experts say the best way to clean surfaces that may be infected with norovirus is to use hot water and diluted bleach. It is especially dangerous in close quarters; if one person from a family is infected, everyone else will likely fall ill as well.
Influenza is highly contagious, and it targets the respiratory system. The most common strands are influenza viruses A and B. The flu can be especially dangerous for pregnant women if left untreated.
COVID-19 is also included in the Quademic threat, although numbers have remained stable. This disease is known for causing the pandemic in 2020 and can cause severe lung issues in patients who come in contact with it. Lately, the number of positive COVID-19 tests has been decreasing.
Experts reason that the uprising of the Quademic is probably putting a lot of strain on the healthcare system, which is already being overworked. Wait times in care centers have gone up this winter, and healthcare workers are spending more time treating these four illnesses.
Dr. Thomas Russo, head of the infectious disease department at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine, emphasized the importance of vaccines in defending against the Quademic by saying, “It is important to realize that these vaccines are critical for preventing infection.”
Many doctors are encouraging people to get vaccinated as it helps prevent the deadly spread of the diseases. Dr. Russo also explained that vaccines are “probably the greatest medical invention in terms of saving lives and minimizing years of life lost.” While vaccines are not guaranteed, it is proven that patients with a vaccine usually deal with a lesser version of the illness if they acquire it.
Doctors stress that it is important to prioritize your health this season and not just assume what illness you have. Because of their similar symptoms, it is hard to distinguish between the four.