A recent increase in flu, COVID-19, RSV, and norovirus cases across the country has raised alarms about a potential virus “quademic,” or could it simply be a winter occurrence?

The combination of these three respiratory viruses along with norovirus, which affects the gastrointestinal system, represents the “key players during our winter virus season,” according to Dr. Thomas Russo, the head of the infectious diseases department at the University at Buffalo School of Medicine. He pointed out that while these viruses can spread at other times, they tend to peak during the winter.

“We’re observing a significant number of cases,” Russo stated to YSL News. “The ’emic’ part is somewhat of a marketing term, but these viruses are indeed circulating and causing infections now.”

While they are not all peaking simultaneously, the upticks in these viruses are occurring closely together, noted Dr. Ogbonnaya Omenka, who leads equitable population health initiatives for Humana Indiana Pathways.

Omenka clarified that the term “quademic” does not mean we are facing a public health disaster. “We encounter these viruses annually.”

The CDC’s flu report for the week ending January 25 indicated that nearly 30% of flu lab tests returned positive, with this rate rising. This report also tracked 16 influenza-related deaths, bringing the total to 47 this season.

RSV cases seem to have peaked recently and are now declining. COVID-19’s test positivity rate stood at 5.4% for the week ending January 25, with 1.6% of deaths that week linked to the virus, according to CDC statistics. Russo mentioned that COVID-19 cases seem to be “smoldering,” predicting a peak in the coming weeks.

“We haven’t reached the peak we experienced in past winters for COVID,” Russo stated. “RSV and flu peaks have been higher, and we anticipate a COVID peak soon.”

Though health departments aren’t required to report norovirus cases to the CDC, Russo noted it has been a “significant norovirus year.” Both COVID and norovirus are a concern year-round, although they often peak in the winter months when people gather indoors in closer proximity, he explained.

Symptoms can be alike

Russo explained that it’s improbable for someone to contract two of these infections simultaneously, and getting all four at once is particularly unlikely, especially for vaccinated individuals. Symptoms from these viruses can overlap and may include fever, chills, cough, sore throat, runny nose, muscle or body aches, fatigue, headache, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Due to the similarity in symptoms, testing is essential to accurately identify which virus is causing the illness in each case. However, since they share these common traits, preventive measures for one virus may also help reduce the risk of others, according to Omenka. Vaccines for the flu, COVID, and RSV are available, and both Russo and Omenka stress the importance of vaccination.

Vaccination is crucial for reducing infection and severity

“It’s critical for the public to understand how important these vaccines are for preventing infection,” Russo remarked.

He acknowledged that while vaccines aren’t perfect and some individuals might still get infected, they often reduce the severity of the illness. Additionally, vaccines help to prevent the spread of diseases. He referred to vaccines as “perhaps the most significant medical advancement in terms of saving lives and reducing years lost.” Extensive research supports that the benefits far exceed the risks, which are “minimal but not nonexistent,” he noted.

“You may hear someone say, ‘My neighbor got vaccinated but still got sick,'” Russo said. “True, but they likely experienced a milder version of the illness.”

Viruses have the ability to change, and immunity from an older vaccination or previous infection can diminish over time.

“We need to remember the ongoing challenge of keeping up with infectious outbreaks, which involves continuously adapting to new threats,” Omenka said.

RSV can resemble other viruses

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) typically peaks during December and January, affecting the nose, throat, and lungs, and usually causing mild, cold-like symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. These symptoms can make it challenging to distinguish RSV from the common cold, COVID-19, or influenza.

“And right now, there’s a lot of flu circulating,” Russo pointed out.

Nearly every child contracts RSV within their first five years, and it poses the greatest danger in the first year of life. It can also be serious for older adults and those with weakened immune systems.

Parents are easy targets for norovirus transmission

Norovirus causes inflammation in the stomach and intestines and is commonly known as the stomach flu. It is highly contagious, can persist on surfaces, and is resistant to many disinfectant sprays, he noted. To reduce contamination, Russo recommended using diluted bleach to clean surfaces and washing clothes in hot water.

“Picture a home with young children, where one child contracts norovirus at day care or school,” Russo explained. “Parents caring for the sick child become easy targets for infection. It can spread quickly through households.”

Places like cruise ships and any environments with close quarters can also facilitate outbreaks, he warned.

“Dehydration can become a serious concern, leading to 24-48 hours of fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and overall discomfort,” he stated. He suggested opting for electrolyte drinks instead of just water during a norovirus infection recovery.