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Recent numbers from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show a surge in four different viruses across the United States.
It’s what’s being called a “Quad-demic,” with cases on the rise for COVID-19, Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), Influenza, and Norovirus.
According to Cathy Armstrong, communicable disease program supervisor for the Kent County Health Department, it’s normal to see an increase in respiratory illness this time of year with people in close contact.
“Right now, we have a lot of respiratory illnesses going on, particularly the Flu, Covid, and RSV,” Armstrong said. “We are seeing a lot of people with those illnesses.”
A lot of these respiratory illnesses have similar symptoms, according to Armstrong. These include a cough, headache, and runny nose, high fever, and difficulty breathing.
Respiratory illnesses are often spread through direct contact of saliva, such as being close to someone coughing or sneezing.
Washing your hands in an important part of preventing the spread of disease, according to Armstrong, who noted small children and elderly people are at the highest risk of getting severe illness.
“They should be taking additional precautions, like having family members stay home and avoid contact with them when they’re sick, being vaccinated, washing their hands,” said Armstrong. “Staying inside if they’re sick and just taking care of them.”
Kent County Health Department has a plan in place to handle the increase in cases and educate their patients, according to Armstrong.