Four viruses are spreading in the United States, raising concerns about the possibility of an “epidemic” spreading.
flu, Covid-19RSV and norovirus are all at “very high levels” across the country, according to Samuel Scarpino, director of artificial intelligence and life sciences and professor of health sciences at Northeastern University in Boston.
“We are in the middle of a very dangerous situation in terms of pathogens spreading,” he told Fox News Digital.
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“Based on data from our National Wastewater Surveillance System, it appears that some parts of the country, like Boston, are entering a peak for all four diseases, but in other areas, cases are still rising,” Scarpino added.
One expert noted that there are currently available vaccines for coronavirus, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus, but not for norovirus – although an mRNA vaccine is in development. (Istock)
doctor. Mark SiegelThis is currently peak season for respiratory viruses, noted a clinical professor of medicine at NYU Langone Health and a senior medical analyst at Fox News.
“It's not a quad pandemic per se, just a lot of respiratory viruses and bacteria at once,” he told Fox News Digital.
In addition to the four viruses, Siegel warned about some of them Bacteria outbreak Which can cause respiratory diseases, such as mycoplasma, whooping cough, and bacteria.
Viruses in numbers
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported an 18.8% positivity rate for influenza tests for the week ending January 11, noting that “Seasonal influenza Activity remains high in most parts of the country.”
The agency reported that there were also 11 flu-related deaths among children, bringing the total deaths to 27 this season.
“We are in the middle of a very dangerous situation in terms of circulating pathogens.”
6.6% were testing positive for COVID-19 as of Jan. 11, with 1.3% of emergency room visits resulting in a diagnosis and 1.8% of all deaths linked to the virus, according to CDC data.
RSV (Respiratory syncytial virus(It is a highly contagious virus that infects the lungs, nose, and throat) with a test result of 8.9%.
With the emergence of these common seasonal viruses, one doctor said it's important for patients to have a “great relationship” with their primary care doctor. (Istock)
Norovirus cases, more commonly known as Stomach disorderis also increasing.
Between August 1 and December 11, 2024, 495 norovirus outbreaks were reported in the United States, compared to 363 in the same period last year, according to the CDC.
Distinguish between viruses
Kenneth Berry, an emergency physician in South Carolina, said his hospital has recently seen an uptick in emergency department visits linked to this infection.
“From coughs to nasal congestion to even fever, it's difficult to distinguish between separate viruses,” he told Fox News Digital. “For most people, knowing what virus they have is just an academic discussion. But for some patients, the specific virus is very important.”
Cases of norovirus (stomach bacteria) are rising in the United States
The likelihood of someone being infected with all four viruses at once is very low – “but it's not outside the realm of possibility that people could be infected with two or even three viruses at the same time,” Berry said.
Siegel agreed that with so many viruses spreading, it can be a challenge for internists and practicing physicians Infectious disease specialists To know the difference.
“It's not a quadruple pandemic per se, just a lot of respiratory viruses and bacteria at once,” Dr. Mark Siegel told Fox News Digital. (Istock)
“Respiratory panels in hospitals, urgent care centers and laboratories can be useful in distinguishing between them,” he said.
Scarpino noted that there are rapid pooled tests available that can screen for two types of influenza and Covid at once.
Potential risk factors
“Of the four widely circulating viruses, all carry a unique risk of severe disease In the elderly“,” Dr. Jacob Glanville, CEO of Centivax, a biotechnology company in San Francisco, told Fox News Digital.
Experts agree that respiratory syncytial virus poses unique risks to infants.
“Of the four widely circulating viruses, all pose a unique risk of severe disease in older adults.”
“For young children, breathing through the nose is necessary in order to eat, and RSV can cause severe amounts of nasal congestion,” Perry warned. This can be crowded Disable children's ability He added that consuming enough calories.
For norovirus, dehydration can become a “big problem,” according to Perry.
“Again, young children who cannot drink water or sports drinks to help maintain hydration can be at the highest risk.”
There are combination rapid tests available that can screen for two types of influenza and Covid at once. (Istock)
Long coronavirus is a “major concern” for most adults, according to Glanville, “as the chronic disorder is not yet fully understood and effective treatments have not yet been developed.”
Scarpino noted that influenza has historically been the leading cause of death in the United States
He added: “Although we are more used to worrying about Covid-19 these days, it is important that we take influenza seriously.”
Scarpino added that people with underlying risk factors are at greater risk of developing serious illness for all four viruses.
Prevention and treatment
To prevent these four common viruses, Glanville recommends getting vaccinated when available, avoiding contact with infected people, and following proper sanitation practices.
“The best thing you can do to avoid contracting any of these viruses is to keep your hands clean,” Berry advised. “Washing hands, especially after touching public surfaces, will be the best way to prevent infection with any of these viruses.”
“The best thing you can do to avoid contracting any of these viruses is to keep your hands clean,” the emergency room doctor advised. (Istock)
There are vaccines currently available for coronavirus, influenza, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), but not for norovirus — although an mRNA vaccine exists In developmentScarpino noted.
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“Even in places where cases are starting to decline, we are far from out of the woods, so there is still time for vaccination,” he said.
For those who contract either virus, Siegel recommends focusing on drinking water, getting plenty of rest and monitoring symptoms carefully.
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The doctor advised sick people to stay at home, avoid direct interaction with others, and wear masks in close places.
Perry pointed this out Flu and Covid It is “cyclical” in its level of danger.
“The best thing you can do to avoid contracting any of these viruses is to keep your hands clean.”
“There are years when the flu virus is very mild, and others when it is more lethal,” he told Fox News Digital. “The same applies to coronavirus, as we have seen with the different variants that have been around throughout the pandemic.”
With the emergence of these common seasonal viruses, Berry said it's important for patients to have a “great relationship” with someone. Primary care physician.
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“This way, their risk category is well known to their doctor and they can easily get the right care for them.” Their healthEven if they are infected with one of these viruses.”
